Electronic Dial Signal Stability via Insulated Sheet Mediator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic dials in devices like digital cameras suffer from erroneous outputs when switching between positions, especially with odd numbers of positions, leading to degraded operating feel and potential signal instability due to conductive pattern peeling and non-contact phase issues.
Innovation Solution
An electronic dial apparatus with a rotating operation member, a conductive pattern having isolated areas, and a mode setter that sets modes based on signal levels depending on contact positions, using a combination of signal levels to prevent erroneous outputs and maintain a stable signal without compromising the operating feel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed signals are arranged at regular intervals on a slider to prevent erroneous output, then erroneous output is restrained, but the conductive pattern may be peeled off by sliding abrasions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an insulated sheet as an intermediary element positioned between the phase segment and the conductive pattern. This insulated sheet prevents direct sliding contact between the conductive pattern and the phase segment, thereby preventing peeling of the conductive pattern while still allowing the fixed signals to function properly for erroneous output prevention.
2Strength
If an insulated sheet is provided at the end of the conductive pattern to prevent peeling, then conductive pattern durability is improved, but the dial operating feeling degrades due to a step of the insulated sheet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the insulated sheet from a localized position at the end of the conductive pattern to a comprehensive position covering the entire sliding surface of the phase segment. This dimensional change in the placement strategy eliminates the step effect that degraded operating feeling, as the insulated sheet now forms a continuous, flush surface across the entire sliding interface.
3Reliability
If a groove is generated at one position having a low click load, then the user is likely to feel the step in the rotating operation and the operating feeling may degrade
Solution Approach 1:
The insulated sheet acts as a mediator that eliminates the need for grooves in the conductive pattern. By providing a continuous insulated surface, the phase segment can slide smoothly without encountering steps or grooves, thereby maintaining excellent operating feeling while still ensuring reliable signal detection through the fixed signals.
4Reliability
If the phase segment is electrically floating due to non-contact phase, then signal stability is improved, but the signal may become unstable and fluctuate
Solution Approach 1:
The insulated sheet provides a continuous electrical connection path between the phase segment and the conductive pattern throughout the sliding motion. This eliminates the non-contact phase problem by ensuring constant electrical contact, thereby preventing signal fluctuations and instability that would otherwise occur when the phase segment becomes electrically floating.
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 solution ensures stable signal generation and maintains a high-quality operating feel by using a conductive pattern with isolated areas and a mode setter that adjusts signal levels, preventing erroneous outputs and peeling issues, even with odd numbers of positions.
Implementation Method 1
a conductive member configured to rotate with the rotating operation member, a conductive pattern having a plurality of conductive areas that are electrically insulated from one another, the conductive member being configured to slidably contact the conductive pattern as the rotating operation member rotates
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic dial apparatus includes a rotating operation member, a conductive member rotating with the rotating operation member, a conductive pattern having a plurality of conductive areas electrically insulated from one another, the conductive member being configured to slidably contact the conductive pattern as the rotating operation member rotates, and a mode setter that sets a plurality of modes in accordance with a set position of the rotating operation member. The mode setter sets one of the plurality of modes based on a combination of a plurality of signal levels that depend on a contact position between the conductive member and the conductive pattern. The mode setter sets at least one of the plurality of modes for two combinations of the plurality of signal levels different from all combinations of the plurality of signal levels corresponding to each set position of the rotating operation member.