Earphone Force-Sensing Input Using Capacitance to Avoid Audio Disruption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional earphones with mechanical input devices are difficult to operate when worn, as users cannot see the devices and tapping to activate them can disrupt audio output and conduct sound, leading to unpleasant experiences and potential microphone interference.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of force-activated earphones that determine non-binary amounts of force applied to a housing using a change in capacitance between first and second force electrodes, with a spring member biasing the first force electrode towards the housing, allowing it to move towards the second electrode when force is applied, enabling activation without external mechanical input devices or tapping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mechanical input devices (buttons, dials, switches, sliders) are incorporated into earphones, then the earphones can be activated and controlled, but the devices become difficult to operate when worn because users cannot see the input devices and tapping can disrupt audio output and conduct sound
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical input devices (buttons, dials, switches, sliders) with a force sensing system that detects applied force through capacitance changes. The force electrodes and spring member create a mechanical-to-electrical transduction system that eliminates the need for visible mechanical components, allowing users to activate earphones through force application without seeing the input mechanism, thereby solving the visibility and audio disruption problems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spring member as an intermediary element between the force application point and the force electrodes. The spring member transmits the applied force to the force electrodes while isolating the direct mechanical contact, preventing sound conduction and audio disruption while still enabling force detection through capacitance changes
2Reliability
If traditional mechanical input devices are used, then activation is possible, but power consumption increases and false inputs cannot be distinguished from intentional inputs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes in capacitance values to detect and measure applied force. By monitoring changes in capacitance between force electrodes as the spring member compresses or expands, the system can detect the magnitude and duration of force applications. This enables differentiation between intentional inputs (with specific force thresholds and duration patterns) and accidental touches, improving input reliability while maintaining low power consumption through passive capacitance measurement
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 allows for efficient activation of earphones by force without disrupting audio output, improves power usage, and reduces false inputs by distinguishing between intentional and accidental force applications, enhancing user experience and battery life.
Implementation Method 1
a spring member disposed within the housing biases the first force electrode towards the housing and allows it to move towards the second force electrode when the force is applied
Implementation Method 2
A non-binary amount of a force applied to a force input surface defined by a housing is determinable using a change in a mutual capacitance between first and second force electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
An earphone includes a housing that defines a force input surface opposite a touch input surface. A spring member in the housing includes a first arm that biases a touch sensor toward the touch input surface. The spring member also includes a second arm that biases a first force electrode toward the housing and allows the first force electrode to move toward a second force electrode when a force is applied to the force input surface. A non-binary amount of the force is determinable using a change in a mutual capacitance between the first force electrode and the second force electrode. The mutual capacitance between the first force electrode and the second force electrode may be measured upon detecting a touch using the touch sensor.