Resonant Phase Detector Compensation for Air Gap and Temperature Drift
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile devices with mechanical buttons face issues such as aging, wear, and difficulty in manufacturing waterproof designs, prompting a need for sensitive, power-efficient sensors to detect user interactions for virtual button interfaces.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a sensor that outputs a signal indicative of distance to a mechanical member, a measurement circuit to determine physical force, and a compensator to adjust for changes in sensor properties due to distance and temperature, using a resonant phase sensing system with resistive-inductive-capacitive sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical buttons are used in mobile devices, then user interaction detection is reliable, but the device becomes susceptible to aging and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical buttons with a resonant phase detector system that uses electromagnetic fields to detect user interactions. The mechanical button structure is substituted with a sensor that measures phase changes in an oscillating signal caused by mechanical interactions, eliminating wear and aging issues while maintaining detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a compensator as an intermediary component that mediates between the raw sensor signal and the final detection output. This compensator applies correction factors to account for environmental variations, ensuring reliable detection without requiring mechanical durability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If mechanical buttons are removed for waterproof design, then device waterproofing is improved, but user interaction detection sensitivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical buttons with a capacitive or inductive sensor system that detects user interactions through electrical or electromagnetic field changes. This substitution allows the device to achieve waterproof sealing while maintaining sensitive detection of user interactions through non-mechanical means.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a compensator that dynamically adjusts detection parameters based on environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity. By changing operational parameters in real-time, the system maintains high detection sensitivity even when mechanical structures are removed for waterproofing.
3Measurement precision
If sensor sensitivity is increased to improve user interaction detection, then detection precision is improved, but sensor power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a resonant phase detector that operates at specific resonant frequencies, allowing the sensor to achieve high sensitivity only during periodic measurement cycles. This periodic operation at resonance enables high detection precision while minimizing power consumption during non-measurement periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a compensator that optimizes sensor operating parameters dynamically. By adjusting sensitivity levels and measurement frequency based on environmental conditions and interaction patterns, the system maintains high detection precision while minimizing overall power consumption.
4Measurement precision
If temperature compensation is applied to maintain sensor accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a compensator that uses feedback from temperature sensors and environmental monitors to automatically adjust the operation of the resonant phase detector. This feedback mechanism maintains measurement precision by correcting for environmental variations without requiring complex manual calibration or processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The compensator performs self-adjustment based on pre-stored calibration data and real-time environmental measurements. The system automatically compensates for temperature and humidity effects without requiring external intervention or complex processing algorithms, maintaining precision while limiting complexity growth.
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
This solution enhances the sensitivity and reliability of user interaction detection in mobile devices, providing consistent feedback and extending device lifespan while enabling waterproof designs.
Implementation Method 1
resonant phase sensing system with resistive-inductive-capacitive sensors
Data Source
AI summary
A system may include a sensor configured to output a sensor signal indicative of a distance between the sensor and a mechanical member associated with the sensor, a measurement circuit communicatively coupled to the sensor and configured to determine a physical force interaction with the mechanical member based on the sensor signal, and a compensator configured to monitor the sensor signal and to apply a compensation factor to the sensor signal to compensate for changes to properties of the sensor based on at least one of changes in a distance between the sensor and the mechanical member and changes in a temperature associated with the sensor.