Input Device Elastic Body Compression Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing input devices require a wide support surface and multiple screws for fixing components, leading to increased parts and potential differences in operation reaction forces, and often necessitate additional reinforcing springs, which complicates design and functionality.
Innovation Solution
An input device with a proximity sensor and pressing force sensor mounted on an operation substrate, supported by a panel with elastic bodies at two locations, allowing for compressive deformation and reduced part count, and eliminating the need for additional springs, while maintaining appropriate operation reaction forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a plate-shaped flexure hinge is used to connect the reinforcing plate to the frame, then the structure provides elastic return function, but a wide support surface and multiple screws are required for fixing, increasing device size and part count
Solution Approach 1:
The flexure hinge is divided into multiple thin-walled bent portions instead of a single plate structure. These segmented bent portions are distributed at different locations on the reinforcing plate, providing the elastic return function through their individual deformation capabilities while requiring minimal support surface area and no additional fixing screws.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses thin-walled bent portions made from thin-walled material to create flexible elastic return structures. These thin-walled bent portions can elastically deform under load and return to their original shape, providing the required elastic return function without the need for large plate-shaped hinges that would require extensive support surfaces.
2Strength
If multiple screws are used to fix the flexure hinge and reinforcing plate, then the structure is securely assembled, but the number of parts increases and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thin-walled bent portions are integrally formed as part of the reinforcing plate structure, merging the elastic return function directly into the plate itself. This eliminates the need for separate flexure hinge components and their associated screws, reducing the total part count while maintaining assembly strength through the integral design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the reinforcing plate is pressed at a location away from the movable hinge, then the operation area is expanded, but the repelling force becomes small and the operation reaction force is felt to be small
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple thin-walled bent portions are distributed at different locations on the reinforcing plate, including areas away from any single hinge point. This segmentation allows the entire plate surface to function as an effective operation area, with each bent portion providing local elastic resistance to maintain adequate operation reaction force across the expanded operation area.
4Force
If additional reinforcing springs are added between the reinforcing plate and frame, then the operation reaction force is improved, but the number of parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic return function traditionally provided by separate reinforcing springs is merged directly into the reinforcing plate through the integrally formed thin-walled bent portions. This eliminates the need for additional spring components while maintaining the operation reaction force, as the bent portions themselves provide the necessary elastic resistance during operation.
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 solution enables a compact input device design with consistent operation reaction forces, reducing the number of parts and eliminating the need for additional springs, thus enhancing operational efficiency and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic body interposed at least either between each support portion and the connection portion or between the facing member and the connection portion. When a pressing force is applied to the operation substrate, the elastic body deforms and the operation substrate moves in a thickness direction thereof to actuate the pressing force sensor.
Data Source
AI summary
A connection portion extends from an operation substrate, and a retaining groove of an elastic body is retained in a retaining hole of the connection portion. When a shaft portion of a retaining member is inserted into a through hole of the elastic body and screwed into an internally-threaded hole of a panel, an upper elastic portion of the elastic body is interposed between the connection portion and a support portion of the panel, and a lower elastic portion of the elastic body is interposed between the connection portion and an facing member. When an operation surface of the operation substrate is pressed, the connection portion rotates in a direction and the upper elastic portion and the lower elastic portion of the elastic body are compressed, whereby an appropriate operation reaction force and an elastic return force can be exerted.