FSR Sensor Cover for Portable Device State Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to determine the opening/closing state of a portable electronic device's cover without using high-priced sensors, which are often heavy and limit spatial utility due to the need for magnetic components, and to minimize power consumption when the cover is unintentionally opened.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves using Force Sensing Resistor (FSR) sensors integrated into the cover, both on the inner and outer surfaces, to detect pressure changes and generate interrupts, allowing the electronic device to perform predefined operations based on the cover's state without relying on expensive sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high-priced sensors (Hall sensor or proximity sensor) are used to determine the opening/closing state of the cover, then the device can accurately detect the cover state, but the device cost increases and weight increases due to magnetic components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive Hall sensors and proximity sensors with a simple touch sensor that detects cover state through pressure or touch. This cheap sensor solution eliminates the need for magnetic components, thereby reducing device weight while maintaining functional capability for cover state detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the magnetic field-based detection system (Hall sensor requiring magnets) with a mechanical pressure-based detection system (touch sensor). This replacement eliminates magnetic components and their associated weight while achieving the same functional goal of cover state determination
2Ease of operation
If a Hall sensor is employed, then the device can sense the opening/closing state of the cover, but the weight of the case and electronic device increases due to magnetic components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a simple touch sensor instead of a Hall sensor with magnetic components, achieving cover state sensing capability while minimizing weight addition. The touch sensor detects pressure changes when the cover is opened or closed without requiring heavy magnetic elements
3Reliability
If a shielding steel plate is attached to protect components from magnetic forces, then the components are protected, but the spatial utility of the electronic device is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the source of magnetic forces (magnets attached to the cover) by using a touch sensor that detects cover state through pressure rather than magnetic field. This extraction of magnetic components eliminates the need for shielding steel plates, thereby preserving spatial utility and internal volume of the device
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex magnetic shielding system (steel plate) with a simple touch sensor that has no magnetic interaction. This substitution eliminates the need for protective shielding structures, maximizing the available spatial utility within the device
4Adaptability or versatility
If FSR sensors are used to detect cover state, then the device can determine opening/closing state without high-priced sensors, but power consumption may increase if not properly managed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic polling or interrupt-driven detection where the FSR sensor checks for cover state changes only when pressure changes occur or at scheduled intervals, rather than continuously. This periodic action mode maintains adaptability of the sensor system while significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The FSR sensor system is designed to be event-driven, where the sensor itself triggers detection only when it detects pressure changes indicating cover state transitions. This self-service approach eliminates the need for continuous power-consuming polling, allowing the sensor to remain inactive until needed
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 enables the determination of the cover's state without increasing the device's weight or power consumption, ensuring efficient operation and user convenience by minimizing unnecessary power usage when the cover is unintentionally opened.
Implementation Method 1
at least one Force Sensing Resistor (FSR) sensor disposed in the cover to generate an interrupt based on a pressure applied thereto
Data Source
AI summary
A case for an electronic device including a coupling member detachably coupled to at least a part of the electronic device. A cover, which has one or more folded positions ranging between an opened state and a closed state, the cover extends from the coupling member in a to cover a display of the electronic device, and at least one Force Sensing Resistor (FSR) sensor disposed in the cover to generate an interrupt based on a pressure applied thereto. The at least one FSR sensor includes one or more inner FSR sensors disposed on an inner surface of the cover, and one or more outer FSR sensors disposed on an outer surface of the cover.