Hybrid Input Switch Using Contactless Click Confirmation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing input devices, such as computer mice and keyboards, rely on contact-based switches for click detection, which suffer from wear-and-tear issues leading to unreliable performance and low signal-to-noise ratios.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a hybrid switch system that combines a contact-based switch with a contactless switch, where the contact-based switch is used in low power mode for wake-up purposes and the contactless switch is used in active mode for reliable click detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If contact-based switches are used for click detection, then the device structure is simple and cost is low, but reliability deteriorates due to wear-and-tear over extended use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitch reliabilityVSAvoidswitch structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the switch system into two independent parts: a contact-based switch for wake-up detection and a contactless switch for active click detection. This segmentation allows each switch to specialize in its optimal function, with the contactless switch providing reliable active-state detection without wear-and-tear while the contact-based switch handles low-power wake-up events.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines two different switch technologies (contact-based and contactless) into a single hybrid system. The contact-based switch and contactless switch work together in a coordinated manner, with the contact-based switch triggering wake-up events and the contactless switch providing reliable click detection during active operation, thereby achieving both simplicity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If contactless switches are used for click detection, then reliability is improved by eliminating wear-and-tear, but power consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitch reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic switching between two operational modes: a low-power mode where the contact-based switch handles wake-up detection, and an active mode where the contactless switch provides reliable click detection. The system dynamically transitions between these modes based on operational state, optimizing the balance between power consumption and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The contactless switch operates periodically only during active periods when the device is in use, rather than continuously. The contact-based switch handles wake-up detection during inactive periods, allowing the power-intensive contactless switch to remain dormant when not needed, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining reliability during active operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Reliability

If contact-based switches are used, then power consumption is low, but signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates due to unreliable performance characteristics

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal qualityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The contactless switch acts as an intermediary that validates and confirms click events detected by the contact-based switch. When the contact-based switch detects a potential click, the contactless switch provides an additional verification signal, ensuring high signal quality and reliable event detection while maintaining low power consumption during inactive periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If hybrid switch system is implemented, then reliability and signal quality are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclick detection reliabilityVSAvoidswitch system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hybrid switch system is designed with multi-functionality where the contact-based switch serves dual purposes: wake-up detection during inactive periods and initial click detection during active periods. The contactless switch provides complementary functionality by validating click events and providing reliable active-state detection. This universal design reduces the need for separate specialized components, thereby managing complexity while achieving high reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 hybrid approach enhances power efficiency, improves reliability by mitigating wear-and-tear issues, and reduces latency in device reports, enabling preemptive clicking and faster performance.