Hybrid Switch Input Device Latency and Power Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Contemporary input devices, such as computer mice and keyboards, face issues with contact-based switches that wear out over time, leading to unreliable performance and low signal-to-noise ratios due to mechanical or chemical degradation, while contactless switches consume more power even when not in use.

Innovation Solution

A hybrid switch implementation combining a contact-based switch for low power mode and a contactless switch for active mode, where the contact-based switch wakes the device with minimal power consumption and the contactless switch provides reliable detection with reduced power usage during active use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

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

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between two different switch types based on operational mode. During active use, the contactless switch provides reliable detection. During sleep mode, the system transitions to the contact-based switch for basic functionality, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining detection capability when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operational parameters by utilizing two different switch technologies with different power consumption characteristics. The contactless switch operates at high reliability for active detection, while the contact-based switch operates at low power for sleep mode, effectively adapting the system's detection parameters to match operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

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

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidsignal-to-noise ratio

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The detection function is segmented into two parts: the contact-based switch handles basic click detection and wake-up functionality, while the contactless switch handles reliable active-mode detection. This segmentation allows each switch type to operate in its optimal performance range, with the contactless switch providing backup verification for critical detections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The contactless switch acts as an intermediary verification layer. When the contact-based switch detects a click, the system can use the contactless switch to verify the detection, ensuring reliability while maintaining the low power consumption advantage of the contact-based switch for routine operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If the contactless switch operates continuously in active state, then detection precision is improved, but power consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection precisionVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous operation, the contactless switch operates periodically or on-demand based on system state. The switch transitions between active and inactive states, activating only when needed for verification or during active use periods, thereby maintaining detection precision while dramatically reducing average power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the operational state of the contactless switch based on system activity. During sleep mode, the switch remains inactive to conserve power. During active mode or upon detection events, the switch activates to provide precise detection, creating a dynamic power management strategy that balances precision and consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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, reliability, and longevity by utilizing the contact-based switch for low power sleep modes and the contactless switch for active detection, improving latency and preemptive triggering capabilities.