Hybrid Input Switch Using Wake-and-Verify Signal Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Contemporary input devices face issues with unreliable performance and high power consumption due to wear and tear in contact-based switches, and excessive power usage in contactless switches, leading to suboptimal signal quality and efficiency.
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 and triggers the contactless switch, optimizing power consumption and signal reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If contact-based switches are used in input devices, then power consumption is low, but reliability deteriorates due to wear and tear
Solution Approach 1:
The input device is segmented into two distinct switch systems: a contact-based switch for low-power operation and a contactless switch for high-reliability operation. This segmentation allows each switch type to operate in its optimal performance regime, resolving the contradiction between power consumption and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically transitions between contact-based and contactless switch modes based on operational requirements. The contactless switch activates when reliability is prioritized (e.g., during gaming or precision tasks), while the contact-based switch handles routine low-power operations, creating a dynamic adaptation to varying reliability needs.
2Reliability
If contactless switches are used in input devices, then reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The contactless switch operates periodically or on-demand rather than continuously, activating only when high reliability is needed. This periodic operation reduces overall power consumption while maintaining reliability benefits when required, resolving the contradiction between continuous reliability and power savings.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the input device have different quality requirements: the contactless switch provides high reliability for critical input detection, while the contact-based switch handles less critical functions with lower power consumption. This local differentiation of quality resolves the contradiction by applying high reliability only where necessary.
3Use of energy by moving object
If contact-based switches are used, then power efficiency is improved, but performance deteriorates due to wear and tear
Solution Approach 1:
The contactless switch creates a virtual copy of the contact-based switch functionality without physical contact. This optical or capacitive copy detects input events with high precision and no wear, maintaining performance while eliminating the degradation issues of contact-based switches over time.
4Reliability
If a hybrid switch system is implemented, then device complexity increases, but reliability and power efficiency are improved
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid switch system is designed with a unified control architecture that manages both contact-based and contactless switches through common processing logic. This multi-functionality approach allows a single system to handle both switch types efficiently, reducing the actual complexity increase despite the dual-switch configuration.
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 enhances power efficiency, reliability, and performance by leveraging the low power characteristics of contact-based switches in sleep mode and the high reliability of contactless switches in active mode, reducing latency and improving user input detection.
Implementation Method 1
a contactless switch (e.g., an optical switch)
Implementation Method 2
a contactless switch (e.g., an optical switch, a capacitive switch)
Implementation Method 3
a contactless switch (e.g., an optical switch, a capacitive switch, an inductive switch)
Implementation Method 4
a contactless switch (e.g., an optical switch, a capacitive switch, an inductive switch, a piezo switch)
Implementation Method 5
a contactless switch (e.g., an optical switch, a capacitive switch, an inductive switch, a piezo switch, a magnetic switch)
Data Source
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.