Multidirectional Input Device with Insulated Electrostatic Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multidirectional input devices face issues with unstable electrostatic detection sensitivity due to overlapping conductive portions, which affect the accuracy of capacitance detection.

Innovation Solution

A multidirectional input device design featuring a housing made of insulating material, a tiltable operation lever, a tilt detection sensor, and an electrostatic detection circuit with an annular electrostatic detection electrode surrounding the opening, ensuring stable electrostatic capacitance detection and reduced noise interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conductive portions are overlapped in the housing to enable multidirectional input detection, then the detection functionality is enhanced, but the electrostatic detection sensitivity becomes unstable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemultidirectional input detectionVSAvoidelectrostatic detection sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is segmented into distinct functional zones: a dome portion for electrostatic detection and a base portion for mechanical support. The electrostatic detection electrode is positioned only on the dome portion, separating it from the conductive operation unit in the base portion. This spatial segmentation prevents overlapping between conductive portions while maintaining multidirectional detection capability through the tilt sensor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The insulating material housing acts as an intermediary between the electrostatic detection electrode and the conductive operation unit. This insulating barrier prevents unwanted electrostatic coupling and noise interference from the conductive portions, thereby stabilizing the electrostatic detection sensitivity while allowing the system to maintain both electrostatic and mechanical detection functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Speed

If conductive portions are used for operation detection, then the operation response is enhanced, but noise interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation responseVSAvoidnoise interference

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The insulating housing material serves as a mediator that isolates the electrostatic detection electrode from the conductive operation unit. This prevents noise and electromagnetic interference from the conductive portions from affecting the electrostatic detection, thereby reducing noise interference while maintaining fast operation response through the tilt detection sensor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the housing is made of insulating material, then electrostatic detection stability is improved, but conductive connectivity for operation detection becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrostatic detection stabilityVSAvoidconductive connectivity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is segmented into a dome portion and a base portion, with the insulating material used primarily in the dome portion where electrostatic detection occurs. The base portion can incorporate conductive elements for mechanical operation detection. This segmentation allows the insulating material to provide electrostatic stability without compromising conductive connectivity in other areas of the housing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The insulating material property is applied locally to the dome portion where electrostatic detection is required, rather than throughout the entire housing. This localized application maintains electrostatic detection stability where needed while allowing conductive portions and connectivity in the base portion for mechanical operation detection, thus resolving the manufacturing challenge.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 solution provides stable sensitivity for electrostatic detection, enhancing the accuracy of proximity and contact detection with the knob, and improving noise resistance, thus improving the overall performance of the multidirectional input device.

Implementation Method 1

an electrostatic detection circuit configured to detect an electrostatic capacitance formed between an electrostatic detection electrode and a surrounding object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic capacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

a tilt detection sensor configured to detect a tilt of the operation lever

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic capacitance change: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS20240274381A1Multidirectional input device

Publication Date: 2024.08.15 ALPS ALPINE CO LTD

AI summary

A multidirectional input device includes a housing made of an insulating material; an operation lever supported by the housing in a tiltable manner; a tilt detection sensor configured to detect a tilt of the operation lever; and an electrostatic detection circuit configured to detect an electrostatic capacitance formed between an electrostatic detection electrode and a surrounding object, wherein the housing includes a dome-shaped dome portion and an opening provided at a top of the dome portion, the operation lever is inserted through the opening, and the electrostatic detection electrode has an annular portion disposed to surround the opening.