Multi-Position Input Structure for Space-Saving Function Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices face challenges with pressing type keys that require multiple functions, leading to increased space occupation, structural complexity, and poor user experience due to failure and monotonous operation.

Innovation Solution

An input structure with a base, operating member, elastic positioning assembly, and detection assembly, allowing for multi-function switching without the need for multiple keys by detecting position variations of the operating member and generating corresponding trigger signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple pressing type keys are arranged to achieve multi-function switching, then the function switching capability is improved, but the space occupation and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunction switching capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single operating member is designed to perform multiple functions by detecting its position in different states. The detection assembly identifies whether the operating member is pressed or rotated, enabling one component to trigger multiple different functions, thus achieving multi-functionality without requiring multiple separate keys

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple key functions into a single operating member. By integrating both pressing and rotating operations into one component, the design merges the functionality of what would traditionally require multiple separate keys, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining versatile function switching capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple pressing type keys are arranged to achieve multi-function switching, then the function switching capability is improved, but the space occupation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunction switching capabilityVSAvoidspace occupation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

A single operating member is designed to perform multiple functions by detecting its position in different states. The detection assembly identifies whether the operating member is pressed or rotated, enabling one component to trigger multiple different functions, thus achieving multi-functionality without requiring multiple separate keys

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The operating member utilizes rotational movement as an additional dimension of operation beyond simple pressing. This adds a new degree of freedom to the single component, allowing it to trigger different functions through different movement dimensions (pressing depth, rotation angle), thereby reducing the need for multiple keys and saving space

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If pressing type keys are used for multiple times, then the function switching operation is achieved, but the reliability decreases due to failure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunction switching operationVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical pressing type keys with a detection assembly that detects the position and state of the operating member. This substitution reduces mechanical wear and contact failures associated with repeated pressing operations, improving reliability while maintaining multi-function switching capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple pressing type keys are arranged, then the multi-function switching is achieved, but the operation becomes monotonous resulting in poor user experience

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-function switchingVSAvoiduser experience
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The operating member is designed to be dynamic in its operation, supporting both pressing and rotating movements. This dynamic design allows users to interact with the device in varied ways (pressing for one function, rotating for another), making the operation less monotonous and improving user experience while achieving multi-function switching

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables multi-function switching with reduced internal space occupation, simplifying the device structure, and improving user experience through a simple, reliable, and cost-effective design.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic positioning assembly (4), wherein the operating member (2) and the elastic positioning assembly (4) are arranged oppositely on the base (1)... the elastic positioning assembly (4) cooperates with the positioning portion (21) to position the operating member (2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4207715B1Input structure and electronic device
Publication Date: 2025.10.01 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
  • EP4207715B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4207715B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4207715B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present application relates to the technical field of electronic devices, and provides an input structure and an electronic device. The input structure comprises a base, an operating element, an elastic positioning component, and a detection component. The operating element is movably mounted at one side of the base. The elastic positioning component is provided at the side of the base away from the operating element. At least two positioning portions are provided on the end face of the operating element close to the elastic positioning component. The positioning portions match the elastic positioning component to locate the operating element. The detection component is used for detecting the change in location of the operating element, and generating a corresponding trigger signal. The electronic device comprises the input structure. The input structure provided by the present application can satisfy multi-function switching of the electronic device, and does not occupy a larger space.