Capacitive Switch Structure for Intermediate Press-State Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical switches cannot provide switch signals for states other than pressed or unpressed, limiting their functionality compared to capacitive switches which can offer more nuanced switching capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A capacitive switch device comprising a lower cover, upper cover, sliding body, elastic body, first conductive part, and second conductive part, where the sliding body drives the second conductive part to move relative to the first conductive part, generating a switch signal based on capacitance changes due to overlapping area and distance variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical switches are used, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the switch can only detect pressed or unpressed states without providing signals for intermediate states
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical switch system with a capacitive sensing system. Instead of using mechanical contacts that only detect pressed/unpressed states, the invention uses capacitive sensors that detect changes in capacitance values to identify multiple switch states including intermediate pressing states, thereby enhancing adaptability while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in capacitance parameters to detect different switch states. By monitoring the capacitance value variations caused by different pressing depths, the system can distinguish between unpressed, partially pressed, and fully pressed states, providing enhanced state detection capability without increasing structural complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If capacitive switch device is designed with sliding body and elastic body, then multiple switch states can be detected, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding body serves multiple functions: it acts as a conductive element for capacitive sensing, provides mechanical coupling between the pressing force and the capacitive sensor, and enables the detection of multiple switch states through its positional changes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic body acts as an intermediary element that transmits the pressing force from the sliding body to the capacitive sensor while allowing for controlled deformation. This intermediary mechanism enables the detection of intermediate pressing states without requiring direct mechanical contact between the sliding body and the sensor, thus managing device complexity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The capacitive switch device generates switch signals between pressed and unpressed states, enhancing flexibility and functionality compared to traditional mechanical switches, particularly suitable for e-sports applications.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic body is located between the lower cover and the upper cover. Two ends of the elastic body respectively abut against the sliding body and the lower cover.
Implementation Method 2
The sliding body drives the second conductive part to move along the first direction to generate a switch signal corresponding to a capacitance between the first conductive part and the second conductive part.
Data Source
AI summary
A capacitive switch device includes a lower cover, an upper cover, a sliding body, an elastic body, a first conductive part, and a second conductive part. The upper cover is disposed on the lower cover. The sliding body passes through the upper cover and is configured to slide relative to the lower cover along a first direction. The elastic body is located between the lower cover and the upper cover. Two ends of the elastic body respectively abut against the sliding body and the lower cover. The second conductive part is connected to the sliding body and moves relative to the first conductive part. The sliding body drives the second conductive part to move to generate a switch signal corresponding to a capacitance between the first conductive part and the second conductive part.