Input Device Transmission Element Actuated Switch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing input devices, such as touchpads and touch sensors, often require complex electronics to be extended under button elements, increasing manufacturing costs and complexity, and may not provide a reliable or user-friendly interface for detecting input without direct contact.
Innovation Solution
The input device comprises a touch sensor substrate with sensor electrodes on one side and a switch on the opposite side, connected through a transmission element that is actuated indirectly by a button element, allowing for simpler assembly and reduced electronic complexity, while maintaining effective input detection without direct contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex electronics are extended under button elements to enable input detection, then input detection capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A transmission element is introduced as an intermediary mechanical component between the button element and the switch. When the button element is pressed, it mechanically actuates the transmission element, which in turn actuates the switch. This mechanical intermediary eliminates the need for complex electronic extensions under the button, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining reliable input detection capability.
2Reliability
If electronics are extended under button elements to detect input, then input detection is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission element serves as a mechanical mediator that transmits actuation force from the button element to the switch. This approach replaces expensive electronic extensions with a simple mechanical component, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while preserving the ability to detect user input accurately.
3Ease of manufacture
If transmission element is used for indirect actuation, then device assembly is simplified, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The input device is segmented into distinct functional components: the button element for user interaction, the transmission element for force transmission, and the switch for signal generation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized and assembled independently, simplifying the overall assembly process despite the addition of the transmission element.
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 configuration results in a lower-cost, easier-to-assemble, and more reliable input device that enhances usability by allowing indirect actuation of switches, reducing the need for extensive electronic extension and improving user interaction.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one sensor electrode is disposed on the sensor substrate, and is configured to sense input objects in a sensing region on the first side of the sensor substrate
Implementation Method 2
The transmission element is configured such that sufficient depression of a first portion of the transmission element causes a second portion of the transmission element to actuate the switch
Data Source
AI summary
An input device, and a method for providing an input device, are provided. The input device includes a touch sensor substrate having a first side and a second side. The second side is opposite the first side. At least one sensor electrode is disposed on the sensor substrate, and the at least one sensor electrode is configured to sense input objects in a sensing region on the first side. A switch is disposed on the second side of the touch sensor substrate. The input device also includes a transmission element having first and second portions. The transmission element is configured such that sufficient depression of the first portion causes the second portion to actuate the switch.