Hemispherical Key Top for Inclined Touch Panel Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing information processing apparatuses with touch panel displays face malfunctions in the opening detection switch when the touch panel is inclined relative to the substrate, leading to potential security breaches due to inadequate detection functionality.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus incorporates an opening detection switch with a key top having a hemispherical surface and an elastic member that allows the contact opening and closing portion to be pressed perpendicular to the substrate, ensuring reliable detection even when the touch panel is inclined.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the touch panel is inclined relative to the substrate to improve visibility and operability, then the ease of operation is improved, but the opening detection switch cannot be pressed in the correct direction causing malfunction and security deterioration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisibility of touch panelVSAvoidfunctionality of opening detection switch

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The key top is designed with a hemispherical pressing surface instead of a flat surface. This curved geometry allows the key top to be pressed in the direction perpendicular to the substrate regardless of the inclined angle of the touch panel, ensuring reliable contact with the contact opening and closing portion while maintaining the inclined configuration for improved visibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic member is designed with specific elastic properties that allow it to deform and transmit pressing force effectively. By adjusting the elastic characteristics of this member, the system maintains reliable switch activation across different inclination angles while preserving the beneficial inclined configuration for user visibility and operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the touch panel is inclined to approach the substrate toward the front for improved usability, then the ease of operation is improved, but the contact opening and closing portion cannot be properly actuated leading to security risks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveusability of the apparatusVSAvoidsecurity risk from undetected opening

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The hemispherical pressing surface of the key top ensures that pressing force is always applied perpendicular to the substrate, regardless of the touch panel's inclination. This geometric design guarantees proper actuation of the contact opening and closing portion, enabling reliable detection of unauthorized opening while maintaining the inclined configuration for improved usability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic member acts as an intermediary between the key top and the contact opening and closing portion. It transmits the pressing force reliably even when the touch panel is inclined, ensuring that the security detection function operates correctly while allowing the touch panel to maintain its inclined position for better usability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If the opening detection switch is provided on the substrate with a flat contact surface, then the device complexity is reduced, but the switch malfunctions when the touch panel is inclined

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure of opening detection switchVSAvoiddetection functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The key top incorporates a hemispherical pressing surface that maintains perpendicular contact with the substrate regardless of touch panel inclination. This simple curved geometry modification ensures reliable switch actuation without significantly increasing device complexity, while preventing the malfunction that would occur with a flat contact surface design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 configuration prevents malfunctions of the opening detection switch and enhances security by maintaining the functionality of the touch panel's detection mechanism, even when the panel is inclined for improved usability.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic member elastically deformable by a pressing force from the key top pressed by the edge to press the contact opening and closing portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11592698B2Information processing apparatus

Publication Date: 2023.02.28 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

An information processing apparatus includes: a housing; a substrate fixed in the housing; a touch panel installed in the housing and disposed to be inclined in a direction approaching the substrate toward a front of the information processing apparatus; and an opening detection switch provided between an edge of the touch panel on a front side and the substrate. The opening detection switch includes: a contact opening and closing portion fixed to the substrate; a key top having a hemispherical surface in contact with the edge; and an elastic member elastically deformable by a pressing force from the key top pressed by the edge to press down the contact opening and closing portion.