Force Characterization Using Venting State Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices, such as smartphones and tablets, face inaccuracies in force characterization due to incorrect assumptions about system parameters, leading to mischaracterization of intended force inputs, noise interpretation, and false triggers, particularly due to changes in venting states and ambient pressures.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a pressure sensor and capacitive force sensor within the device to generate time-dependent sequences of measurements, which a processor uses to characterize the venting state and system parameters, thereby accurately determining the amount of force applied by adjusting for ambient and internal pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If factory settings for system parameters are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to incorrect assumptions about current system parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary characterization of system parameters (such as venting state, seal integrity, ambient pressure) before force measurement begins. This preliminary action updates the parameters from factory settings to current actual values, ensuring accurate force characterization while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors system parameters (venting state, seal condition, ambient pressure) and uses this feedback to adjust force measurement calibration. This feedback mechanism ensures that force characterization remains accurate despite changes in device environment or condition over time.
2Measurement precision
If system parameters are continuously monitored and updated, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and processing
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses existing sensors (pressure sensors, microphones, accelerometers) for multiple purposes - both for their primary functions and for characterizing system parameters affecting force measurement. This multi-functionality approach avoids adding dedicated sensors while still achieving continuous monitoring of relevant parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own operational data and existing sensor measurements to self-characterize its system parameters. Rather than requiring external calibration equipment or additional dedicated sensors, the device uses its own pressure readings, acoustic measurements, and operational state to determine venting state and seal integrity.
3Ease of manufacture
If factory calibration is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to parameter drift over time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary characterization of system parameters before force measurement begins, updating calibration values from factory settings to current actual values. This preliminary action ensures reliable force characterization while maintaining simple manufacturing processes with standard factory calibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static factory calibration to dynamic parameter characterization, where system parameters (venting state, seal integrity, ambient pressure) are continuously determined and used to adjust force measurement accuracy. This dynamic approach maintains reliability without complicating manufacturing.
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
This approach reduces the likelihood of missed force inputs and false triggers by accurately characterizing system parameters, ensuring precise force determination and improving user interaction with devices.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor disposed within an interior volume of the device and configured to generate a time-dependent sequence of measurements
Implementation Method 2
A capacitive force sensor may include first and second electrodes disposed in first and second flex circuits. As the amount of force applied to the display increases, the compressible element or gap may compress, and the electrodes disposed in the flex circuits may move closer to one another, thereby decreasing the capacitance between the electrodes.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a pressure sensor and a processor. The pressure sensor is disposed within an interior volume of the electronic device and configured to generate a time-dependent sequence of measurements related to a force applied to the electronic device. The processor is configured to characterize, using at least the time-dependent sequence of measurements, a venting state of the interior volume. In some embodiments, the electronic device may also include a capacitive force sensor disposed to detect distortion of the interior volume. A second time-dependent sequence of measurements related to the force may be generated by the capacitive force sensor, and used by the processor to characterize the venting state of the interior volume.