Portable Device Frame Sensing to Replace Mechanical Buttons

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current portable electronic devices with mechanical buttons are costly, have short service life, and do not align with human-centered design due to their size and aesthetics, as they require additional components like mechanical buttons for input functions.

Innovation Solution

A portable electronic device with a sensing function that replaces mechanical buttons, utilizing a supporting plate, frame, and sensing component to detect external forces applied by the user, generating sensing signals for command triggering without the need for mechanical buttons, incorporating a buffer component and recess or protrusion for enhanced functionality and durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a mechanical button is disposed on the frame, then the input function is achieved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinput functionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical button system with a sensing component that detects external forces applied to the frame. The sensing component converts mechanical force into electrical signals, eliminating the need for separate mechanical buttons while maintaining input functionality. This substitution reduces device complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If a mechanical button is disposed on the frame, then the input function is achieved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinput functionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The sensing component replaces expensive mechanical buttons with a more cost-effective sensing mechanism. The sensing component can be integrated into the existing frame structure, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining input functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensing component serves multiple functions: it detects external forces for input operations, can be integrated into the frame structure, and potentially serves as both a structural and functional element, reducing overall manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If a mechanical button is disposed on the frame, then the input function is achieved, but the service life is reduced due to mechanical loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinput functionVSAvoidservice life

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical button system with a sensing component that has no moving parts. This eliminates mechanical wear and tear, significantly extending the service life of the device while maintaining input functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of operation

If a mechanical button is disposed on the frame, then the input function is achieved, but the aesthetic appearance and size are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinput functionVSAvoidaesthetic appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The sensing component allows the frame to maintain its aesthetic design without protruding mechanical buttons. The sensing component can be integrated flush with the frame surface, preserving the device's sleek appearance while maintaining input functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 allows for cost-effective, compact, and aesthetically pleasing devices that extend service life by eliminating mechanical abrasion and enabling intuitive command operations through external force sensing, aligning with human-centered design principles.

Implementation Method 1

The sensing component is configured to sense a variation in a distance to the first sensing side surface or sense a variation in a distance to the second sensing side surface... the sensing signal is generated according to a capacitance variation generated by the variation in the distance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance variation: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS10393600B2Portable electronic device and sensing method thereof

Publication Date: 2019.08.27 HTC CORP

AI summary

A portable electronic device including a supporting plate, a frame, and a sensing component is provided. The supporting plate has a first sensing side surface. The frame is assembled around the supporting plate and has a second sensing side surface facing the first sensing side surface. The sensing component is disposed between the first sensing side surface and the second sensing side surface. The sensing component is configured to sense a variation in a distance to the first sensing side surface or sense a variation in a distance to the second sensing side surface. Moreover, a sensing method is also provided.