Capacitive Trigger Mechanism for Proximity Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing trigger mechanisms in handheld input devices for VR and AR environments lack the ability to sense finger proximity and provide a range of signal levels, relying on mechanical switches that wear out and do not allow visualization of the finger before activation.

Innovation Solution

A capacitive sensor system is integrated into the trigger mechanism, using a drive electrode and sense electrode to detect finger proximity and movement, providing a continuous signal range instead of a simple on/off activation, allowing for tactile feedback and extended device lifespan.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a mechanical switch is used in the trigger mechanism, then the trigger can be activated, but the mechanical components wear out over time reducing reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrigger durabilityVSAvoidmechanical component lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical switches with capacitive sensing technology. The trigger mechanism uses a capacitive sensor to detect finger proximity and trigger activation, eliminating mechanical contact points that wear out. This substitution of mechanical system with electrical field-based sensing directly resolves the contradiction by maintaining activation functionality while removing the wear-prone mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Loss of information

If a mechanical switch is used, then the trigger provides binary on/off activation, but it cannot detect finger proximity or provide continuous signal levels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefinger proximity informationVSAvoidsignal level range

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter measurement from binary switch state to continuous capacitance values. The capacitive sensor measures varying capacitance levels as the finger approaches and contacts the trigger, providing a continuous range of signal levels rather than simple on/off states. This parameter change enables proximity detection and multiple activation thresholds, resolving the contradiction between information loss and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If capacitive sensing is implemented, then finger proximity can be detected and continuous signals provided, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefinger detection precisionVSAvoidsensor system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a capacitive sensor that serves multiple functions: detecting finger proximity, measuring trigger activation level, and providing tactile feedback control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate sensors for each function, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity while achieving high measurement precision for finger detection and continuous signal provision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 sensor system enables precise finger detection and visualization in VR and AR environments, providing a durable and sensitive trigger mechanism with adjustable tactile feedback, enhancing user interaction and device longevity.

Implementation Method 1

a capacitive sensor is used for proximity detection of a finger

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS10067604B2Detecting trigger movement without mechanical switches

Publication Date: 2018.09.04 CIRQUE CORP

AI summary

A system and method for activating a trigger on an input device, where a capacitive sensor is used for proximity detection of a finger, and wherein the trigger may provide a range of signal levels instead of an on/off signal.