Capacitive Crown Assembly for Multi-Axis Force Input Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing input mechanisms in small form factor devices, such as watches, lack the ability to detect non-binary amounts of force applied, limiting their functionality in receiving varied user inputs.
Innovation Solution
An input mechanism, such as a crown, equipped with force sensors that utilize capacitance changes to determine the amount of force applied, allowing for various types of movement inputs, including rotation, translation, and transverse movement, through capacitive sensors and processing units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional input mechanisms are used in small form factor devices, then the device structure remains simple, but the device cannot detect non-binary amounts of force applied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single collar component: the collar serves as both a structural support element and a capacitive sensor that detects force applied to the input mechanism. The moveable conductor and conductive element are integrated into the collar structure, eliminating the need for separate force sensing components and reducing overall device complexity while enabling precise force measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical force sensing mechanisms with a capacitive sensing system. Instead of using mechanical switches, springs, or levers to detect force, the system uses changes in capacitance between the moveable conductor and conductive element to measure applied force, enabling non-binary force detection with higher precision and fewer moving parts.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional input mechanisms are added to enhance functionality, then the range of user interactions increases, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the single input mechanism capable of multiple functions by detecting different types of user interactions through capacitive changes. The same collar structure detects rotation, translation, and transverse movement, as well as the force applied during each movement type. This multi-functionality allows diverse user inputs without adding additional input mechanisms, maintaining device simplicity while enhancing versatility.
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
Enables the electronic device to interpret different amounts of force as distinct inputs, enhancing the range of user interactions without the need for additional input mechanisms, thereby improving user experience and device functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The collar includes a moveable conductor, a conductive element, and a separation defined between the moveable conductor and the conductive element. Movement of the input structure changes a capacitance between the moveable conductor and the conductive element.
Implementation Method 2
In numerous examples, the electronic device further includes silicone disposed within the separation.
Data Source
AI summary
An input mechanism, such as a crown, detects amounts of applied force. In various examples, an assembly including an input mechanism has an enclosure; a stem coupled to the enclosure such that the stem is rotatable, translatable, and transversely moveable with respect to the enclosure; a sensor, coupled between the stem and the housing, to which force is transferred when the stem moves with respect to the housing; and a processing unit coupled to the sensor. The processing unit is operable to determine a measurement of the force, based on a signal from the sensor.