Full-Surface Click Trackpad with Distributed Spring Bias
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional trackpads and touchpads require users to locate a specific 'sweet spot' to activate the clicking function, limiting functionality and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A trackpad design with a cover member and switch system, where at least two spring members bias the trackpad to move vertically, allowing the clicking function to be actuated at any location on the surface, triggering an electrical signal without a specific sensor location requirement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a specific sensor location ('sweet spot') is used to activate the clicking function, then the trackpad can trigger a click signal, but the user must locate and contact a specific area which limits functionality and ease of use
Solution Approach 1:
The trackpad surface is divided into multiple discrete contact points or zones, each capable of independently triggering the clicking function. This segmentation allows the click capability to be distributed across the entire surface rather than concentrated at a single sweet spot, enabling users to click from any location while maintaining reliable signal triggering.
Solution Approach 2:
The entire trackpad surface is designed to universally support the clicking function, rather than limiting this capability to a specific localized area. Each point on the surface can serve as a potential click activation point, making the trackpad more versatile and easier to use as users can naturally click from any comfortable position on the surface.
2Ease of operation
If multiple spring members are used to bias the trackpad at different locations, then the trackpad can be actuated at any location across the entire surface, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into multiple discrete spring members distributed across the trackpad背面, with each spring corresponding to or serving a specific contact zone. This segmented approach enables localized support and click activation while maintaining a modular, manageable structure that doesn't excessively increase complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring members are positioned at non-zero distances from each other in the lateral direction, creating a distributed support array rather than a single central support mechanism. This spatial distribution across multiple dimensions allows full-surface click capability while organizing complexity in a systematic, predictable pattern that simplifies manufacturing and assembly.
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
Enables consistent tactile response and improved usability by allowing the clicking function to be performed at any point on the surface, enhancing user experience and device interaction.
Implementation Method 1
At least two spring members are coupled to the trackpad and are each disposed at a non-zero distance from each other and are each configured to collectively bias the trackpad in a first position
Data Source
AI summary
According to one general aspect, an apparatus includes a trackpad that includes a cover member having a top surface and a switch coupled to the cover member. At least two spring members are coupled to the trackpad and are each disposed at a non-zero distance from each other and are each configured to collectively bias the trackpad in a first position in which the top surface of the cover member is in a first plane. The trackpad is movable to a second position in which the top surface of the cover member is in a second plane substantially parallel to the first plane when an input force is exerted on the top surface of the cover member. The switch is configured to trigger an electrical signal within a computer when the trackpad is moved to its second position.