Full-Area Touchpad Linkage Mechanism for Uniform Triggering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touchpads in laptop computers have limited trigger regions due to the touch plate's pivotal side being prone to immobility, restricting the effective use of the touchpad area.
Innovation Solution
A full-area touch device with a base unit, touch unit, and linkage unit, featuring a symmetrical linkage system that includes an outer frame, inner frame, and multiple linkage subunits, allowing the touch unit to move freely and trigger the switch across a larger area without swaying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the touch plate is pivotally connected to the base plate at one side, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the trigger region is limited and the touch plate may be unlikely to move when the pivotal side or adjacent portion is pressed
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage unit is divided into multiple independent linkage members (first linkage member, second linkage member, third linkage member, fourth linkage member) that are spaced apart from each other. Each linkage member independently transmits the pressing force from different regions of the touch plate to the trigger member, enabling full-area triggering while maintaining structural simplicity of individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point pivotal connection to a distributed multi-point linkage system. The linkage members are arranged in both the first direction (lengthwise) and second direction (widthwise), creating a two-dimensional array of force transmission paths that expands the effective trigger region across the entire touch plate surface.
2Device complexity
If the touch plate is pivotally rotated about one side to trigger the switch, then the mechanism is simple, but the touch sensitivity is inconsistent across different regions of the touch plate
Solution Approach 1:
Different linkage members are positioned at different locations (first, second, third, and fourth directions relative to the center) to provide localized force transmission optimized for their respective regions. This ensures that pressing forces from any region of the touch plate are efficiently transmitted to the trigger member with consistent sensitivity, while each individual linkage member remains structurally simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage members are strategically positioned asymmetrically around the center of the touch plate, with specific arrangement in the first direction and second direction. This asymmetric distribution compensates for the natural variation in leverage and force transmission that would occur with a simple pivotal connection, achieving uniform touch sensitivity across the entire surface.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a larger trigger region is implemented, then the full-area touching is enabled, but the touch unit may sway during operation
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple linkage members are merged into a single integrated linkage unit that works together as a unified system. The linkage members are connected to the same trigger member and work in coordination, providing stable force transmission across the entire touch plate area while preventing swaying through their combined structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage unit serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits force from different regions of the touch plate to the trigger member, provides structural support to prevent swaying, and maintains consistent touch sensitivity across all regions. This multi-functionality is achieved through the coordinated arrangement of the four linkage members in both directional axes.
Data Source
AI summary
A full-area touch device includes a base plate and a trigger member mounted on the base plate. A touch unit is disposed over the base plate and includes a trigger switch aligned with the trigger member. An outer frame is connected to the touch unit. An inner frame is surrounded by the outer frame, and surrounds the base plate. A first linkage subunit is connected to a bottom surface of the outer frame and a top surface of the inner frame. A second linkage subunit is connected to the inner frame and the base plate, and includes front-rear linkage members surrounding the trigger member. Two third linkage subunits are fixedly connected to the inner frame. The inner frame, the first linkage subunit, the second linkage subunit, the third linkage subunits, and the outer frame push the touch unit away from the base plate.