Induction Button System for Power-Efficient User Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
As electronic devices become smaller, space for input buttons and switches decreases, and non-mechanically based input buttons, such as capacitive sense buttons, require constant power to function, leading to battery drain and reduced device usage time.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an induction button system that uses a magnetic element and coil to detect user input without drawing power from the device's power source, allowing for power generation from user input forces and providing haptic feedback without increasing button stack thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If non-mechanically based input buttons (capacitive sense buttons) are used to reduce device size, then device compactness is improved, but power consumption increases due to constant sensor powering
Solution Approach 1:
The button system generates its own signal through electromagnetic induction when pressed, eliminating the need for constant external power supply to the sensor. The user's pressing action itself generates the detection signal, making the system self-powered during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical switches and capacitive sensors with an electromagnetic induction-based button system. This substitution eliminates the need for continuously powered electronic sensors while maintaining input detection functionality.
2Ease of operation
If traditional tactile feedback mechanisms are added to buttons, then user feedback is improved, but button stack thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible magnetic elements and thin coil structures that can be integrated into the button assembly without significantly increasing thickness. These flexible components provide tactile feedback while maintaining a compact form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of adding thickness in the vertical dimension for tactile feedback, the patent utilizes the magnetic field dimension, allowing feedback mechanisms to operate in a different spatial dimension that does not increase button stack height.
3Volume of moving object
If button space is reduced to accommodate smaller device size, then device compactness is improved, but button functionality and feedback capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The button assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it detects user input through electromagnetic induction, provides tactile feedback through magnetic interaction, and generates power signals - all within a compact structure that does not require increased space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the detection mechanism, feedback mechanism, and power generation into a single integrated button assembly. The magnetic element and coil work together to provide both input detection and tactile feedback without requiring separate components, thereby maintaining functionality while reducing space requirements.
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 solution enables efficient user input detection and haptic feedback while minimizing power consumption, extending battery life and maintaining device compactness.
Implementation Method 1
Movement of the button cap relative to the enclosure, such as due to a user input force, causes the first magnetic element to induce a current in the coil
Implementation Method 2
providing haptic feedback without increasing button stack thickness
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment of the present disclosure includes an electronic device. The electronic device includes an enclosure and a button connected to the enclosure and movable relative thereto. The button includes a button cap defining a user input surface, a first magnetic element operably associated with one of the button cap or the enclosure, and a coil operably associated with the other of the button cap or the enclosure. Movement of the button cap relative to the enclosure, such as due to a user input force, causes the first magnetic element to induce a current in the coil and the induced current is correlated to a user input to the button cap.