Capacitive Touch Button Layout for Multi-Gesture Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices with multiple physical buttons are complex to operate and prone to accidental touches due to the close placement of buttons.

Innovation Solution

A touch button design featuring a first conductive part surrounded by a second conductive part, with a gap between them, allowing the first conductive part to move relative to the second when pressed, thereby changing capacitance and enabling gesture recognition for various control instructions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple physical buttons are disposed on electronic devices to provide different operating functions, then the device functionality is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to close placement of buttons

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single touch button to perform multiple operating functions through gesture recognition. The touch button can detect different touch gestures (tap, press duration, touch area ratio) and execute corresponding functions such as power on/off, volume control, Bluetooth pairing, and fingerprint unlocking, replacing multiple physical buttons with one versatile component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by measuring variations in capacitance values and touch area ratios to distinguish between different gestures. By monitoring changes in these parameters over time and space, the system can differentiate between a quick tap, a long press, or a specific gesture pattern, enabling diverse functions from a single button.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies merging by combining multiple button functions into a single touch button component. Instead of having separate physical buttons for power, volume, Bluetooth, and fingerprint functions, all these functionalities are integrated into one touch-sensitive element that can recognize and respond to various touch gestures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The touch button serves as a universal control element that can execute multiple operating functions including power control, volume adjustment, Bluetooth pairing, and fingerprint authentication, thereby reducing the overall number of components and simplifying device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Area of stationary object

If buttons are disposed closely to reduce device size, then the compactness is improved, but accidental touches increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidaccidental touches

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses parameter changes in touch detection to distinguish between intentional and accidental touches. By analyzing the capacitance change magnitude, touch duration, and area ratio, the system can differentiate between a deliberate user gesture and an accidental contact, executing commands only for recognized valid gestures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical button press system with a capacitive touch detection system. This substitution allows for more nuanced detection of user intent through electrical field changes rather than simple mechanical contact, enabling the system to recognize specific gesture patterns and filter out accidental touches more effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solution reduces the number of touch buttons needed by allowing multiple control functions to be performed on a single button, while minimizing accidental touches by providing a clear and intuitive gesture-based control interface.

Implementation Method 1

a gap exists between an unexposed portion of the first conductive part and the second conductive part, and the first conductive part is movable relative to the second conductive part

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS12283948B2Touch button, control method, and electronic device

Publication Date: 2025.04.22 VIVO MOBILE COMM CO LTD

AI summary

A touch button, a control method, and an electronic device are provided. The touch button includes a first conductive part, a second conductive part, and a touch part, where the second conductive part surrounds the first conductive part to form a capacitance structure. The method includes receiving a touch input acting on the touch part; detecting whether the second conductive part has any capacitance change in a plurality of preset directions; and determining, in a case a capacitance change exists in a target direction among the plurality of preset directions, a control instruction corresponding to the target direction. According to the method, when the touch button receives the touch input, the touch part transfers pressure to the first conductive part, so that the first conductive part moves relative to the second conductive part resulting in a change of capacitance.