Force-Validated Touch Input Device for Vibratory Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Touch-sensitive surfaces in computer systems, particularly in aeronautical environments, face issues with uncontrolled selection due to vibrations and external objects triggering the selection switch, leading to inadvertent activation and limited functionality in vibratory environments.
Innovation Solution
A data input device with a touch-sensitive surface that measures pressing force independently of the selection switch, using a comparator to validate the switch signal based on distinct reference forces, ensuring robust operation even in vibratory conditions by segregating force measurement and electrical information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a switch lock is added in series with the selection switch to prevent inadvertent triggering, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases and operational flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical switch locking mechanism with a force measurement and validation system. Instead of using a mechanical lock in series with the switch, the invention uses independent force sensors to measure pressing force and a validation system to verify whether the force meets predetermined criteria before allowing selection. This substitutes mechanical security with a sensor-based validation approach, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining or improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary force measurement system between the user's pressing action and the switch activation. The force sensors act as intermediaries that measure the pressing force independently, and the validation system serves as an intermediary that decides whether to permit switch activation based on the measured force. This intermediary validation layer prevents inadvertent triggering without requiring a direct mechanical lock on the switch.
2Reliability
If a switch lock is implemented to secure against vibrations, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to blocked usage periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter used for validation from a simple switch state to a force magnitude parameter. By measuring the pressing force and comparing it against predetermined force thresholds, the system can distinguish between intentional user input (sufficient force) and vibration-induced false triggers (insufficient force). This parameter change allows the system to remain operational during vibrations by simply requiring adequate force, rather than blocking usage entirely during vibratory events.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the force measurement system continuously monitors pressing force and provides validation feedback to the selection system. The validation system uses this feedback to determine whether to permit switch activation. This feedback loop allows real-time discrimination between valid user input and invalid vibrations, maintaining operational availability while ensuring reliability.
3Ease of operation
If the complete touch-sensitive surface is made available for selection, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to false triggering by external objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing force validation at each location on the touch-sensitive surface. Instead of restricting which areas can be used for selection, the system validates each selection based on the local force measurement at that specific location. The force sensors are distributed across the surface, and each measurement point independently validates whether the pressing force meets the predetermined threshold, allowing full surface accessibility while preventing false triggers through localized force verification.
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 solution prevents unintended selection activations, allowing for reliable and precise data input in vibratory environments by ensuring that the force measurement and electrical signal are independent, thus preventing chain breakdowns and enhancing robustness.
Implementation Method 1
means for measuring a force applied to the touch-sensitive surface and intended to operate the switch, the measurement means being independent from the switch
Implementation Method 2
a comparator of a force measured by the measurement means with a plurality of distinct reference forces
Data Source
AI summary
The securing of a data input device of a computer system including a screen, the device including a touch-sensitive surface allowing an object displayed on the screen to be designated, and a switch operable by pressing the touch-sensitive surface, the operation of the switch allowing a designated object to be selected. The device furthermore includes means for measuring a force applied to the touch-sensitive surface and intended to operate the switch. The measurement means are independent from the switch.