Focusing Operating Element for Precise Optical Position Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical systems for detecting changes in position or force on user interfaces, such as switches and touchscreens, have limited resolution, making it difficult to accurately determine switched states or applied forces.
Innovation Solution
An operating device with a base element, a transceiver for emitting and receiving light, and an optical element that moves with the operating element to focus light onto a receiving part, allowing for precise detection of position changes based on light intensity variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical reflection light barriers are used for determining the position of an operating element, then the detection function is provided, but the resolution of the change in distance is not high quality
Solution Approach 1:
The optical element is designed with a curved reflecting surface (concave or convex) to focus or defocus light onto the receiving part. This curvature enables precise control of light paths, allowing high-resolution position detection through focal point positioning without requiring complex optical assemblies
Solution Approach 2:
The optical element provides localized optical control by creating a specific focal point or focal region at a defined position relative to the receiving part. The curved surface geometry creates localized light concentration that enhances measurement precision at specific positions of the operating element
2Measurement precision
If the operating element is moved to detect position changes, then the position detection function is achieved, but the intensity change of light is insufficient for precise measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The curved reflecting surface of the optical element focuses light onto the receiving part when the operating element is in specific positions, creating strong intensity changes. The focal point positioning on or near the receiving part maximizes light intensity variation for precise position measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The optical element changes the optical parameters (focal length, light concentration) based on the position of the operating element. As the operating element moves, the focal point shifts relative to the receiving part, causing significant changes in light intensity that enable precise position detection
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 provides high-resolution detection of operating element positions and forces by ensuring the focal point of the light remains close to or outside the receiving part, ensuring clear intensity changes and precise position inference.
Implementation Method 1
an optical element, which is fixedly arranged on the control element, for deflecting the light of the transceiver
Implementation Method 2
the optical element allows the light of the transceiver to be focused essentially in the direction of a receiving part of the transceiver
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~6
AI summary
The position of a control element of an operating device is to be determined more precisely. For this purpose, an operating device is provided with a base element (1), a transceiver (2) fixedly attached to the base element (1) for emitting and receiving light, a control element (6) movable relative to the base element (1) between a first extreme position (10) and a second extreme position (11), and an optical element (8) fixedly attached to the control element (6) for deflecting the light (7) of the transceiver (2). The optical element (8) focuses the light (7) of the transceiver (2) essentially towards a receiver (4) of the transceiver (2).An evaluation unit of the operating device is designed to evaluate a signal from the receiving part (4) such that an intensity of the received light (7), which is represented by the signal, is assigned a position of the operating element (6) in a range from the first extreme position (10) to the second extreme position (11).