Control Circuit Detecting Micro-Switch Type via Voltage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing input devices, such as mice, have control circuits that are not adaptable to different types of micro-switches, leading to incorrect operation when users replace micro-switches without matching control circuits, as the switching signals and wear characteristics of optical and mechanical micro-switches differ.

Innovation Solution

A control circuit for input devices that includes an input circuit, a receiver circuit, a control unit, and a detecting unit to determine the type of micro-switch, allowing for selection of a proper control mode to ensure correct operation by generating and receiving signals and detecting voltage to differentiate between optical and mechanical micro-switches.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the control circuit is configured to cooperate with a specific micro-switch type, then the operation accuracy is improved, but the adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation accuracyVSAvoidadaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control circuit is designed with multi-functionality to support both optical micro-switches and mechanical micro-switches. The detecting unit automatically identifies the micro-switch type by detecting voltage characteristics, and the control unit adapts its control mode accordingly, enabling a single control circuit to universally handle different micro-switch types without requiring separate dedicated circuits for each type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of repair

If users replace micro-switches without considering control circuit compatibility, then the ease of repair is improved, but the reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of replacementVSAvoidoperation reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control circuit performs automatic self-identification of the micro-switch type through the detecting unit, which monitors voltage characteristics without requiring user intervention or prior knowledge. This self-service mechanism ensures that regardless of which micro-switch type is installed, the control circuit automatically adapts to the correct control mode, preventing operational errors and ensuring reliable function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the control circuit includes type detection functionality, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detecting unit is integrated into the existing control circuit structure, sharing common components such as the voltage detection pathway and control unit with the overall control system. This merging approach allows type detection functionality to be added without creating a completely separate detection system, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity while achieving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11327578B2Control circuit
Publication Date: 2022.05.10 ASUSTEK COMPUTER INC
  • US11327578B2 patent drawing
  • US11327578B2 patent drawing
  • US11327578B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A control circuit for an input device including a micro-switch is provided. The control circuit includes an input circuit, a receiver circuit, a control unit, and a detecting unit. The input circuit includes a first contact and a second contact for electrically connecting to the micro-switch. The receiver circuit includes a third contact and a fourth contact for electrically connecting to the micro-switch. The control unit is electrically connected to the first contact and the third contact for providing an input signal via the first contact to the micro-switch and receiving a switching signal from the micro-switch via the third contact. The detecting unit detects a voltage of the second contact to generate a detecting signal. The control unit receives the detecting signal to determine a type of the micro-switch.