Full-Area Touch Device Linkage Mechanism for Uniform Trigger Response
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touchpads have a limited trigger region, leading to unsatisfactory downward movement and signal generation when the pivotal side or adjacent portion is pressed.
Innovation Solution
A full-area touch device with a base unit, a touch control unit, and a linkage unit, where the linkage unit is symmetrical and includes an outer frame, an inner frame, linkage sets, and plates, allowing the touch control unit to move between upper and lower positions to trigger the signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a pivotal side structure is used in the touchpad, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the trigger region is limited and pressing the pivotal side or adjacent portion does not generate satisfactory signals
Solution Approach 1:
The touch control unit is divided into multiple independent pressing regions (first pressing region, second pressing region, third pressing region, fourth pressing region) that can be pressed independently. Each region is connected to the base unit through separate linkage members, allowing any region to trigger the trigger switch reliably without being constrained by a single pivotal side structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage unit employs flexible linkage members and a flexible inner frame that can dynamically adapt to pressing forces from any direction or region. The linkage members can rotate and pivot at multiple joints, enabling the system to respond dynamically to presses anywhere on the touch plate while maintaining reliable signal generation.
2Device complexity
If a single pivotal side structure is used, then the device complexity is low, but the trigger region coverage is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger region is segmented into four distinct pressing regions, each capable of independent operation. This segmentation allows the trigger region area to cover the entire touch plate surface while maintaining manageable complexity through modular linkage members connecting each region to the trigger switch.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage unit is designed with universal functionality where any of the four pressing regions can trigger the trigger switch through the flexible inner frame and linkage members. This multi-functional design allows the entire touch plate area to serve as the trigger region without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Device complexity
If the touch-sensing plate is pivotally rotated about a single axis, then the mechanism is simple, but pressing the pivotal side or adjacent portion does not produce satisfactory downward movement
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage members and inner frame create a dynamic multi-joint rotation system that can adapt to pressing forces from any direction. Instead of a single fixed pivot axis, the system has multiple rotation joints that allow the mechanism to respond effectively to presses anywhere on the touch plate, including the previously problematic pivotal side and adjacent portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible inner frame acts as an intermediary between the pressing regions and the trigger switch. It distributes and transmits the pressing force from any region through the linkage members to the trigger switch, ensuring satisfactory downward movement and trigger activation regardless of where on the touch plate the user presses.
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 enables the generation of signals from any region of the touch plate, providing increased operational tactility and stability, without the need for a stopping and blocking structure, and enhances press sensitivity and movement stability.
Implementation Method 1
The inner frame is flexible, is disposed in the outer frame space, defines an inner frame space
Implementation Method 2
The first linkage set has a plurality of linkage members fixed between the bottom outer frame surface and the bottom inner frame surface. The second linkage set has a left front linkage member, a left rear linkage member, a right front linkage member, and a right rear linkage member.
Data Source
AI summary
A full-area touch device includes a linkage unit disposed between a base unit and a touch control unit to drive a trigger switch of the touch control unit to be triggered by the base unit. The linkage unit is symmetrical relative to the trigger switch and includes an outer frame, an inner frame, linkage members fixed between the outer and inner frames, and a left plate and a right plate fixed to the base unit in the inner frame. A left front linkage member and a left rear linkage member are fixed between the left plate and the inner frame. A right front linkage member and a right rear linkage member are fixed between the right plate and the inner frame. A portion of an outer frame space not occupied by the base unit, the inner frame, the left plate and the right plate is defined as a floating chamber.