Flexible PCB Stabilization Film for Remote Control Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional remote controls lack versatility and reliability in information input methods, often requiring users to press buttons precisely, which can lead to tilting issues and may not accommodate users accustomed to swiping movements, limiting accessibility and increasing the risk of input errors.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a flexible printed circuit board with capacitive sensors that serves as both a mechanical stabilizer and an additional input means, allowing for both pressure-based and capacitive input methods, including swiping, while minimizing tilting risks through edge design and adhesive connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible film is used to connect pressure-receiving elements, then the position of pressure-receiving elements is stabilized, but the film cannot serve as an additional input means
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible printed circuit board is designed to perform multiple functions: it mechanically connects and stabilizes the pressure-receiving elements while simultaneously serving as a capacitive sensor for touch-based input. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the same component serve both structural and input detection purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the mechanical connection function and the sensor function into a single integrated component - the flexible printed circuit board. By combining these functions, the system achieves both structural stability and enhanced input versatility without requiring separate components.
2Ease of operation
If only pressure-based input is provided, then the remote control is simple, but it lacks accessibility for users accustomed to swiping movements
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitive sensor integrated into the flexible printed circuit board enables multiple input methods (touch and swipe) without requiring separate sensor systems. This multi-functionality improves ease of operation for different user preferences while avoiding the complexity of implementing entirely separate input systems.
3Ease of operation
If key elements are placed very close together to minimize gaps, then swiping input is improved, but the key elements may tilt against each other when pressed
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible printed circuit board acts as a compliant mounting structure that allows key elements positioned close together to move independently when pressed. The flexibility of the PCB absorbs the mechanical stress and prevents the key elements from tilting against each other, while still enabling smooth swiping motion across the surface.
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
Enhances user experience by providing redundant input systems, improving reliability and accessibility for a broader range of users, allowing both pressing and swiping inputs, and stabilizing button elements effectively.
Implementation Method 1
the capacitance of which depends on the position of a user's finger relative to the flexible circuit board
Implementation Method 2
connected to one another on their pressure-receiving side by means of a flexurally elastic but tensile band-like film
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a remote control (1, 48) comprising: a first data read-in device (24, 78) and a second data read-in device (24, 78) which are each designed to read in data in a pressure direction (20, 61) on the basis of a pressure exerted by a user, a first pressure take-up element (30) assigned to the first data read-in device (24, 78) and a second pressure take-up element (30, 85) assigned to the second data read-in device (24, 78), which elements each have a pressure take-up side (35, 89) for taking up the pressure applied by the user, and a pressure output side for outputting the pressure, which was taken up, to the respective data read-in device (24, 78); and a flexible printed circuit board (31, 86, 97) which connects the pressure take-up sides (35, 89) of the pressure take-up elements (30, 85) to each other and on which at least one capacitive measurement transducer (38, 39, 93, 94) is formed whose capacitance is dependent on the position of a finger of the user on the flexible printed circuit board (31, 86, 97).