Integrated Keycap Electrode Layout for Key and Touch Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices lack a multi-function human interface that integrates key input and touch input sensors, leading to increased volume and reduced user convenience.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a multi-function human interface that integrates a key input sensor and a touch input sensor through an electrode layer, where electrodes are partially overlapped by key caps and elastic units to generate both key and touch input signals, utilizing a specific layout and connection configuration of electrodes to facilitate both input types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate key input sensors and touch input sensors are provided, then input functionality is comprehensive, but device volume and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines key input sensor and touch input sensor into a single integrated sensor structure. The key input sensor includes first and second electrodes with insulating layers, while the touch input sensor uses the same first electrode and a third electrode, sharing common components to reduce overall device volume while maintaining both key press and touch detection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The first electrode serves dual purposes as both a key input sensor electrode and a touch input sensor electrode. This multi-functional design allows the same component to participate in both key press detection and touch detection operations, eliminating the need for separate dedicated components and reducing device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate key input sensors and touch input sensors are provided, then input functionality is comprehensive, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges key input sensor and touch input sensor into one integrated structure where the key input sensor comprises first and second electrodes with insulating layers, and the touch input sensor comprises the first electrode and a third electrode. This sharing of the first electrode and insulating layers significantly reduces structural complexity compared to having completely separate sensor systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The first electrode and its insulating layer serve multiple functions simultaneously - acting as both a key input sensing element and a touch input sensing element. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components and simplifies the overall sensor structure while maintaining comprehensive input capabilities.
3Volume of stationary object
If integrated electrode layer is used, then device volume is reduced, but signal detection precision may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different insulating layers with different properties in different locations: a first insulating layer with first dielectric properties between the first and second electrodes for key input detection, and a second insulating layer with second dielectric properties between the first and third electrodes for touch input detection. This localized differentiation of material properties ensures optimal signal detection precision for each input type despite the integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the dielectric parameters of the insulating layers to optimize performance for different detection modes. By selecting insulating layers with different dielectric properties for different electrode pairs, the system maintains high signal detection precision for both key input and touch input while benefiting from the compact integrated structure.
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 integration of key and touch input sensors reduces device volume and enhances user convenience by allowing seamless switching between input methods.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of elastic units, wherein the plurality of elastic units include a first elastic unit and the first elastic unit includes a first conductive material
Implementation Method 2
an electrode layer configured to generate key input signals and touch input signals, wherein the electrode layer includes a first-type electrode configured to generate touch input signals
Data Source
AI summary
Proposed is an electronic device having a multi-function human interface, the electronic device including a plurality of key caps, wherein the plurality of key caps include a first key cap, a plurality of elastic units, wherein the plurality of elastic units include a first elastic unit, a plurality of conductive materials, wherein the plurality of conductive materials include a first conductive material, and an electrode layer configured to generate key input signals and touch input signals.