Capacitive Multi-Directional Switch for Accurate Tilt Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional multi-directional operating switches have a significant dispersion in resistance value change with tilt angle, leading to low accuracy in determining the tilt angle, which complicates adjusting the scroll speed or moving speed of displayed icons on electronic devices.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves a multi-directional operating switch comprising a fixed electrode body with multiple conductive fixed electrodes and a movable electrode body made of elastic conductive material, featuring multiple pressing projections that deform to change the electrostatic capacity when tilted, allowing for precise determination of the tilt angle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a pressure sensitive body is used to detect tilt angle, then the operating switch can determine tilt direction, but the resistance value change disperses significantly leading to low measurement precision

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetilt detection capabilityVSAvoidtilt angle determination accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the pressure-sensitive body (mechanical resistance-based system) with a capacitive sensor system. The capacitive sensor detects tilt angle through changes in capacitance value caused by displacement of the operating body, eliminating the significant dispersion problem of resistance value changes while maintaining tilt detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the detection parameter from resistance value (principle of pressure-sensitive body) to capacitance value (principle of capacitive sensor). This parameter change enables more precise tilt angle determination because capacitance changes are more linear and less dispersed compared to resistance changes in pressure-sensitive materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If the resistance value change of pressure sensitive body is used for tilt angle detection, then the structure is simple, but the accuracy of determining tilt angle is low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection structure simplicityVSAvoidtilt angle determination accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the mechanical pressure-sensitive body with an electrostatic capacitive sensor system. The capacitive sensor includes a sensor electrode and detection circuit that measures capacitance changes, providing high-precision tilt angle detection while maintaining relatively simple structural implementation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from measuring resistance value changes to measuring capacitance value changes. This parameter change fundamentally improves measurement precision because capacitance measurements are not subject to the same dispersion issues as resistance measurements in pressure-sensitive materials, enabling accurate tilt angle determination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This design enables accurate determination of the tilt angle and direction, enhancing the control over scroll or moving speed of icons on electronic devices, ensuring finer quality display adjustments.

Implementation Method 1

Movable electrode body 23 is elastic, so that it can be deformed such that an electrostatic capacity generated between the first pressing projection and the first fixed electrode can be changed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

an electrostatic capacity generated between the first pressing projection and the first fixed electrode can be changed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic capacity: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS9627161B2Operating switch

Publication Date: 2017.04.18 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

A multi-directional operating switch to be used chiefly for operating a variety of electronic apparatuses is disclosed. This operating switch can determine a tilt angle of an operating body accurately. The operating switch comprises a fixed electrode body, a movable electrode body made of conductive material, and the operating body. The fixed electrode body includes a first fixed electrode on its top face. The movable electrode body is disposed on the fixed electrode body and includes a first pressing projection protruding toward the first fixed electrode. The operating body is disposed on the movable electrode body and can be tilted such that it presses the first pressing projection from above. The movable electrode body is elastic, so that the first pressing projection can be deformed such that an electrostatic capacity generated between the first pressing projection and the first fixed electrode can be changed.