Fingerprint Keycap Integration for Space-Saving Biometric Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fingerprint sensing devices require additional internal space in electronic products, making them bulky and inefficient in terms of integration with existing components.
Innovation Solution
A sensing device integrated into a keycap or button that combines a sensing unit and a base unit, allowing for biometric sensing and key-in functionality while maintaining a compact, integrally formed appearance, utilizing a binding and non-binding area design for seamless integration with a circuit board.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate fingerprint sensing device is used, then biometric authentication function is achieved, but internal space of electronic product increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sensing device with the keycap structure into a single integrated component. The sensing unit is embedded within the keycap, allowing the keycap to serve dual purposes: mechanical key input and biometric fingerprint authentication. This merging eliminates the need for separate sensing device space while maintaining both functionalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The keycap is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both a mechanical key input device and a fingerprint sensor housing. The sensing unit integrated into the keycap enables biometric authentication without requiring an additional dedicated component, thus achieving multi-functionality in a single element.
2Reliability
If a built-in sensing device is added, then biometric authentication function is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the sensing device with the existing keycap structure, the patent reduces overall device complexity. The sensing unit shares the keycap's physical space and structural support, eliminating the need for separate mounting mechanisms and reducing the number of independent components that need to be integrated.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing device is segmented into functional areas within the keycap: a binding area for attachment and a non-binding area for fingerprint sensing. This segmentation allows the sensing unit to be integrated into the keycap while maintaining distinct functional zones, simplifying the integration process.
3Volume of stationary object
If sensing unit is integrated into keycap, then space is reduced and appearance is compact, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing unit surface is divided into a binding area and a non-binding area with corresponding shapes. This segmentation provides clear manufacturing guides for alignment: the binding area of the sensing unit matches the contact area of the base unit, ensuring precise positioning during assembly while maintaining the compact integrated structure.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a sensing device and a keycap. The sensing device includes a sensing unit and a base unit. The sensing unit includes a first sensing unit surface having a binding area and a non-binding area, wherein the binding area and the non-binding area do not overlap with each other and correspond to each other in shape. The base unit includes a first base unit surface having a contact area and a non-contact area, wherein the contact area and the non-contact area do not overlap with each other and correspond to each other in shape. The sensing unit is attached to the contact area of the base unit by the binding area; and sides of the sensing unit and the base unit side are flush with each other. The sensing device can function as a keycap.