Input Device Cover Member Gap and Flexible Seal for Accurate Touch Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing input devices with touch sensors on image processing apparatuses face issues with erroneous position detection due to unnecessary external forces and foreign substances entering gaps between the cover member and the position detection portion, leading to inaccurate touch position recognition.
Innovation Solution
The input device incorporates a cover member separated from the position detection portion by a gap, a base portion in contact with the cover member, and a flexible portion extending between the operation and separate portions, along with a seal member to prevent external forces and foreign substances from affecting the position detection, ensuring accurate touch position detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cover member is separated from the position detection portion by a gap, then foreign substances can enter the gap and cause erroneous detection, but contact between the cover member and position detection portion applies unnecessary external force to the operation portion
Solution Approach 1:
The position detection portion is divided into two functional zones: a first region that serves as the operation portion for touch input, and a second region that serves as a separate portion positioned away from the operation portion. The cover member contacts the second region rather than the first region, segmenting the detection area to prevent foreign substance interference while maintaining structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The second region acts as an intermediary element between the cover member and the first region. By positioning the cover member to contact the second region (which is separated from the operation portion), the system mediates the mechanical support function while preventing direct transmission of external forces to the touch-sensitive first region, thereby eliminating erroneous detection caused by foreign substances or cover member pressure.
2Strength
If the cover member contacts the position detection portion, then structural support is provided, but unnecessary external force is applied to the operation portion causing detection errors
Solution Approach 1:
The position detection portion is segmented into a first region (operation portion) and a second region (separate portion). The cover member is positioned to contact only the second region, providing structural support through the second region while preventing force transmission to the first region. This segmentation allows the system to maintain both structural integrity and detection precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the position detection portion are assigned different functional qualities: the first region is optimized for touch sensitivity and operation, while the second region is positioned to bear mechanical contact from the cover member. This local differentiation of functional properties allows the cover member to provide necessary structural support without compromising the precision of touch position detection in the first region.
Data Source
AI summary
In an input device: a position detection portion includes a main surface that faces up, and detects a position where an external force is applied on the main surface; a cover member is separated upward from a specific portion of the main surface, covers the specific portion, and exposes an operation portion of the main surface excluding the specific portion; a base portion is provided to be in contact with the cover member, above a separate portion that is a portion of the specific portion and is separated from the operation portion; and a flexible portion extends from the base portion toward the operation portion, and is in contact with an adjacent portion that is a portion of the specific portion and is located between the operation portion and the separate portion, the flexible portion being separated downward from the cover member and flexible with respect to the base portion.