Magnetic Input Detection on Flexible Substrates for Thin Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing input devices, such as touchpads and trackpads, are sensitive to electronic environments, difficult to integrate in small and thin devices, and have poor detection accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A detection device comprising a flexible substrate with magnetic objects and a magnetometer system that detects input events through substrate deflection, allowing for accurate input detection without capacitive or resistive sensing components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If capacitive, force, piezoelectric or resistive sensing components are used to detect user input, then detection capability is provided, but the device becomes sensitive to electronic environment, difficult to integrate in small and thin devices, and has poor detection accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic sensing components (capacitive, resistive, piezoelectric) with a magnetic field-based detection system. A magnetometer measures magnetic field changes caused by magnetic objects that move with the user's finger on the flexible substrate, eliminating sensitivity to electronic environment and improving detection accuracy while simplifying integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from electrical properties (capacitance, resistance) to magnetic field properties. By detecting changes in magnetic field strength and direction caused by magnetic objects, the system achieves robust detection unaffected by electronic interference and enables integration in thin devices.
2Reliability
If capacitive or resistive sensing components are used, then input detection is enabled, but the device is sensitive to electronic environment and has poor detection accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes electronic sensing mechanisms with magnetic field detection. The magnetometer measures magnetic field variations caused by magnetic objects, providing reliable detection that is inherently immune to electronic environment sensitivity and external interference such as light and sound pollution.
3Ease of operation
If traditional sensing components are used for input detection, then detection function is achieved, but integration in small and thin devices is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces bulky electronic sensing components with a thin magnetic field detection system. The magnetometer and magnetic objects can be integrated into thin structures, enabling easy integration in small and thin devices without increasing device volume or complexity.
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 provides high-accuracy input detection, unaffected by light and sound pollution, and can be integrated into small, thin devices, including user-borne devices.
Implementation Method 1
the provision of one or more magnetometers allows to measure a magnetic field associated with the magnetic object
Implementation Method 2
The flexible substrate is configured to deflect relative to the stationary substrate based on a force applied to the flexible substrate
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3D
AI summary
A detection device (10) for detecting and/or determining an input event comprises a housing (100), a stationary substrate (110) connected to the housing (100), and a flexible substrate (120) connected to the housing (100) above and at a distance from the stationary substrate (110). At least one magnetometer (130) is connected to one of the stationary substrate (110) and the flexible substrate (120). At least two magnetic objects (140, 140a, 140b) are connected to the other one of the stationary substrate (110) and the flexible substrate (120), the at least two magnetic objects (140, 140a, 140b) being at a distance relative to each other. The flexible substrate (120) is configured to deflect relative to the stationary substrate (110) based on a force (F) applied to the flexible substrate (120).