Input Device Thickness Reduction via Flexible Circuit Board
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional input devices with knobs and rotary encoders are limited in thickness reduction along the rotary shaft axis, making them less compact and efficient in operation.
Innovation Solution
An input device comprising a knob, rotary shaft, flange, elastic component, rotation controller, and detector, where the elastic component and flange are configured to allow slight turning and provide flexibility, enabling the device to reduce thickness along the rotary shaft axis while maintaining operational functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a conventional lock mechanism and elastic component are used to allow slight knob turning, then the device can detect turning and clear inhibited state, but the thickness along the rotary shaft axis cannot be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible circuit board instead of a conventional elastic component. The flexible circuit board has a flexible portion that can elastically deform to allow slight knob turning, while maintaining thin profile along the rotary shaft axis. This resolves the contradiction by providing both flexibility for detection and reduced thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical elastic component with a flexible circuit board that has conductive patterns. The detection is achieved through electrical conductivity changes rather than purely mechanical means, allowing for a thinner design while maintaining reliability through the rigid structure of the circuit board.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the elastic component is made more flexible to allow greater turning, then the device becomes more adaptable, but excessive stress damages the component and reduces durability
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible circuit board provides a controlled flexible portion that allows slight turning through elastic deformation of the circuit traces, while the overall rigid structure prevents excessive stress. This balances adaptability for detection with durability through structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible circuit board combines flexible polymer substrate with rigid conductive traces, creating a composite structure that allows controlled deformation for adaptability while maintaining structural integrity for durability. The composite nature enables slight flexibility without the weakness of purely elastic materials.
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 device achieves compactness and improved durability by allowing slight turning of the knob while preventing excessive stress on the elastic component, enhancing the operational life and usability of the input device.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic component 104 having flexibility is disposed around an outer peripheral surface of the rotary shaft 102
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an input device that puts signals into equipment in response to turning action and that can come down in thickness along an axis of a rotary shaft. The input device includes a knob configured to be turned, a rotary shaft configured to turn together with the knob, and a flange disposed around an outer peripheral surface of the rotary shaft. The flange is designed to regulate turning of the rotary shaft. The input device further includes an elastic component that is disposed around the outer peripheral surface of the rotary shaft and is fastened to the flange, a rotation controller that permits or inhibits turning of the elastic component, and a detector that detects a rotational state of the rotary shaft.