Multi-Sensing Button Assembly to Reduce False Triggers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wearable computing devices face challenges in integrating button sensing and biometric sensing functionalities efficiently, leading to issues with false triggers, limited space optimization, and inefficient power usage.
Innovation Solution
A multipurpose button assembly incorporating a first sensor for actuation detection and a second sensor for touch detection, which can be a strain sensor, ultrasonic sensor, or infrared sensor, is integrated into the computing device, allowing for biometric data capture and optimizing power usage based on force and capacitance changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate buttons and biometric sensors are integrated into the wearable device, then sensing functionalities are provided, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a button assembly with biometric sensors into a single integrated component. The button assembly includes a button, a force sensor to detect button presses, and a biometric sensor (such as an optical sensor for heart rate monitoring) positioned to contact the user's skin when the button is pressed. This merging eliminates the need for separate buttons and sensors, reducing device complexity while maintaining multiple sensing functionalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The button assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as a mechanical input device for user interaction, a force sensor for detecting press intensity, and a biometric sensor for monitoring physiological parameters. This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate components, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple sensors are integrated into the button assembly, then false triggers are reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple sensors (force sensor and biometric sensor) into a single button assembly that is manufactured as one unit or pre-assembled module. The force sensor and biometric sensor are positioned in specific spatial relationships within the assembly, allowing them to work together to distinguish between intentional button presses and accidental contacts. This integrated manufacturing approach reduces false triggers while managing manufacturing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The button assembly incorporates both a force sensor that detects mechanical pressure and a biometric sensor that monitors physiological responses. By analyzing feedback from both sensors simultaneously, the system can distinguish between deliberate user actions (which produce both mechanical force and corresponding biometric changes) and false triggers (which may produce force without corresponding biometric patterns). This multi-sensor feedback mechanism improves reliability.
3Area of stationary object
If biometric sensors are integrated into the button assembly, then space is optimized, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The biometric sensor in the button assembly is activated periodically or on-demand rather than continuously. The sensor operates when the force sensor detects a button press event, and remains inactive during normal periods. This periodic operation mode allows the system to maintain space-optimized integration of biometric sensing capabilities while significantly reducing overall power consumption compared to continuous monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The button assembly merges the mechanical button function with biometric sensing in a single integrated unit. By combining these functions, the patent eliminates the need for separate button mechanisms and biometric sensor modules, thereby optimizing space utilization. The integrated design allows the biometric sensor to be positioned directly within the button assembly, reducing the total area required while managing power through event-driven operation.
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 multipurpose button assembly enhances force and signal transfer performance, reduces false triggers, optimizes power usage, and enables compact device design by integrating biometric sensors into the button assembly, improving manufacturability and sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
The first sensor can be a force sensor and/or the second sensor can be a strain sensor
Implementation Method 2
The second sensor can include a capacitive sensor or be a capacitive sensor. For example, the input surface of the insert forms at least a portion of an electrode of the capacitive sensor
Implementation Method 3
The first sensor or the second sensor can be a piezoelectric sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A computing device can include a housing defining a cavity and a button assembly. The button assembly can include an insert, a first sensor, and a second sensor. The insert is at least partially positioned within a recess defined by the housing. The first sensor is configured to detect actuation of the insert via an input provided by a user. The second sensor is configured to detect whether the user is touching the insert. The computing device can further include one or more processors positioned within the cavity. The one or more processors is configured to obtain, via the first sensor, first data indicative of actuation of the insert, and obtain, via the second sensor, second data indicative of the user touching the insert. The one or more processors can perform a task based, at least in part, on the first data and the second data.