Hybrid Input Switch for Low-Power Reliable Click Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing input devices, such as computer mice and keyboards, face issues with contact-based switches that suffer from wear-and-tear leading to unreliable performance and high signal noise, while contactless switches consume excessive power even when inactive.

Innovation Solution

A hybrid switch design combining a contact-based switch for low power mode and a contactless switch for active mode, utilizing the contact-based switch to wake the device and the contactless switch for reliable input detection, reducing power consumption and improving reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a contactless switch is used for reliable input detection, then reliability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinput detection reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between contactless switch mode (for reliability during active use) and contact-based switch mode (for low power during idle periods). The controller activates the contactless switch only when input detection is required, creating a dynamic operational state that adapts to usage conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs periodic polling of the contactless switch at defined intervals rather than continuous monitoring. This periodic action allows the contactless switch to remain in a low-power state between polling cycles while still providing reliable detection when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Use of energy by moving object

If a contact-based switch is used for low power operation, then power consumption is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to wear-and-tear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidswitch reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The contactless switch acts as an intermediary that takes over the reliability-critical detection function from the contact-based switch. The controller uses the contactless switch to detect inputs and validate signals, mediating between the low-power contact switch and the reliability requirements of the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces the mechanical contact-based switch with a non-mechanical contactless switch for input detection. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear-and-tear while maintaining the ability to detect user inputs, using electromagnetic or capacitive fields instead of physical contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If contactless switch is continuously active for reliable detection, then measurement precision is improved, but energy loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinput detection precisionVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The contactless switch is polled periodically at defined intervals rather than continuously monitored. This periodic polling maintains measurement precision by regularly checking the switch state while allowing the switch to enter low-power states between polls, reducing overall energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses partial action by activating the contactless switch only for the minimum necessary duration to detect and validate an input event. Rather than maintaining continuous high-precision monitoring, the system performs detection only when triggered or at scheduled intervals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 hybrid switch design achieves significant power savings, improved reliability, and reduced latency in input device reports, while mitigating the drawbacks of both contact-based and contactless switches.

Implementation Method 1

a second switch configured to generate a second signal when the depressed element is depressed by the threshold distance and the second switch is in an active state

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field detection: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a first switch configured to generate a first signal when the depressible element is depressed by a threshold distance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical contact: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS20250244833A1Hybrid switch for an input device

Publication Date: 2025.07.31 LOGITECH EUROPE SA

AI summary

An input device comprises a depressible element with two switches including a first switch configured to generate a first signal when the depressible element is depressed by a threshold distance and a second switch configured to generate a second signal indicating when the depressible element is depressed by the threshold distance and the second switch is in an active state. One or more processors may be configured to receive the first signal from the first switch; configure the second switch to change from an inactive state to an active state in response to receiving the first signal; receive the second signal from the second switch in the active state; determine whether the second signal indicates that the depressible element is depressed by the threshold distance; and generate event data confirming that the depressible element is depressed by the threshold distance in response to receiving the second signal.