Inductive Spring Switch Structure for Multi-State Signal Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current switch technologies, such as optical and mechanical switches, face challenges with high costs and limited design flexibility due to the need for additional optical elements and the inability to provide switch signals for states beyond pressed and unpressed states.
Innovation Solution
A switch device utilizing a spring structure with varying inductance, where the sliding body changes the interval between spring portions to generate distinct current values for different switch states, eliminating the need for additional elements and reducing the required space and design complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical switches are used to provide switch signals, then the switch can detect pressed and unpressed states, but the cost increases and design freedom decreases due to required optical elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical elements with a spring-based inductive sensing mechanism. The spring's inductance changes mechanically as it deforms under pressing forces, eliminating the need for optical components while maintaining reliable state detection through inductance variations that correspond to different pressing depths
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in the spring's physical parameters (inductance, length, shape) during deformation to encode multiple switch states. As the spring compresses, its inductance value changes continuously, allowing differentiation between multiple pressing depths without requiring additional sensing elements
2Device complexity
If mechanical switches are used to provide switch signals, then the structure is simple, but the switch can only provide pressed and unpressed states without intermediate states
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static binary state of traditional mechanical switches into a dynamic multi-state system. The spring continuously changes its inductance value as it deforms, enabling the detection of multiple intermediate pressing states between fully pressed and unpressed positions, thus increasing adaptability while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent exploits the continuous variation of the spring's inductance parameter during deformation to represent multiple switch states. Different inductance values correspond to different pressing depths, allowing the simple mechanical structure to provide versatile multi-state output without additional components
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional optical elements are added to provide multiple switch states, then the switch signal versatility improves, but the cost and design complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the spring structure multi-functional by designing it to simultaneously serve as the actuating element, the sensing element, and the state encoder. The same spring that undergoes mechanical deformation also provides the inductance variations needed to detect multiple states, eliminating the need for separate optical sensing components and reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The spring structure serves itself by using its own physical properties (inductance, elasticity, shape) to detect and report its state. The deformation of the spring automatically generates corresponding inductance changes that encode the pressing depth, without requiring external sensing mechanisms or additional elements to interpret its position
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 allows for a cost-effective and flexible design that can generate switch signals for multiple states, reducing the complexity and cost associated with existing technologies while enhancing design freedom.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one spring is configured to generate a switch signal corresponding to an inductance of the at least one spring
Implementation Method 2
The coil structure includes a plurality of first conductive lines and a plurality of second conductive lines, is formed as an inductor with the magnetizer, and is configured to generate a switch signal according to the inductor
Data Source
AI summary
A switch device includes at least one spring, a sliding body and a circuit board. The at least one spring is configured to generate a switch signal corresponding to an inductance of the at least one spring, and includes a first spring portion and a second spring portion arranged along a first direction. The inductance is associated with a first interval between the first spring portion and the second spring portion. The sliding body is configured to move along the first direction to change the first interval. The circuit board is configured to receive the switch signal. The at least one spring is located between the sliding body and the circuit board.