Fingertip Force Controller With Constraining Surface for Pull Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing film-type three-axis force sensors are limited in the range of fingertip movements that can be used for input, primarily relying on pressing and rubbing motions, lacking the ability to detect pulling forces.
Innovation Solution
A controller incorporating a film-type three-axis force sensor with an operating unit featuring a constraining surface that allows detection of both pressing and pulling forces, utilizing a band, clip, or locking structure to constrain the finger, and a capacitance-type sensor to measure these forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a film-type three-axis force sensor is used to detect pressing forces, then pressing force detection capability is improved, but the ability to detect pulling forces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A band is introduced as an intermediary element between the finger and the force sensor. The band transmits both pressing forces (when the finger presses down) and pulling forces (when the finger pulls away) to the film-type three-axis force sensor, enabling the sensor to detect both types of forces that would otherwise be difficult to capture simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The film-type three-axis force sensor is made multi-functional by adding the band mechanism. The sensor originally designed for pressing force detection now also detects pulling forces, making it capable of detecting a wider range of input forces (pressing, pulling, and rubbing) from a single device
2Device complexity
If the fingertip movement range is limited to pressing and rubbing motions, then the sensor structure remains simple, but the variety of input methods deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible band is used to constrain the finger while allowing multiple types of movement. The band can be made of elastic material that accommodates pressing, rubbing, and pulling motions, maintaining structural simplicity while enabling diverse input methods through a single flexible component
Solution Approach 2:
The band is designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing the finger to move in different directions (pressing down, rubbing laterally, pulling away) while still being constrained. This dynamic design enables the sensor to capture a wider variety of input methods without requiring multiple separate mechanical structures
3Adaptability or versatility
If a constraining surface with band is added to detect pulling forces, then the variety of detectable forces is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The band is merged with the operating unit housing, and the constraining surface is integrated into the existing structure. By combining the band and constraining surface into the operating unit rather than adding separate components, the patent increases force detection capability while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity
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 a wider variety of input options by detecting both pressing and pulling forces through fingertip movements, enhancing user interaction capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
an upper electrode and a lower electrode are arranged facing each other with an air layer or an elastic layer between the electrodes, and a pressing force is calculated by utilizing the change in the capacitance value generated by a fluctuation of the distance between the electrodes when the pressing force is applied
Data Source
AI summary
A controller that detects a pressing force and a pulling force only by the movement of a fingertip is provided. The controller of the present invention that detects a pressing force and a pulling force includes a housing, a film-type three-axis force sensor, and an operating unit. The force sensor is disposed on the surface of the housing and is configured to detect forces along three axes applied by a finger of a user. The operating unit covers the surface of the active area of the force sensor. The operating unit also has a pressing surface to be pressed by a finger pad of the finger; and a constraining surface on which the finger is to be constrained such that when the finger moves in a direction away from the pressing surface, a pulling force is applied to the surface of the active area of the force sensor.