Piezoelectric Surface Switch for Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Touch screen devices consume significant power due to the need for continuous or periodic active monitoring of touch screen sensors, which reduces battery life and increases energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A portable electronic device equipped with a piezoelectric transducer that generates an electrical output in response to mechanical actuation or stress applied to its surface, allowing for power-up or wake-up of device components without maintaining a touch screen controller, thereby minimizing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If active monitoring of touch screen sensor is implemented, then touch detection capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic sampling of the touch screen sensor at reduced intervals during idle states, rather than continuous monitoring. The controller samples the sensor at predetermined time intervals when no touch is detected, allowing the system to maintain touch detection capability while significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous active monitoring.
2Speed
If touch screen controller is continuously active, then response time is improved, but battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the operational state of the touch screen controller based on system conditions. The controller transitions between active and low-power states, adjusting its monitoring frequency and responsiveness according to whether the system is in use or idle, thereby optimizing the balance between response time and battery life.
3Use of energy by moving object
If mechanical switch is used for power-up, then power consumption during operation is reduced, but user interface integration is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mechanical switch functionality with the touch screen interface by allowing the touch screen to serve dual purposes: displaying information and detecting touch inputs that can trigger power-up events. The mechanical switch structure is integrated with the touch screen assembly, combining both input methods into a unified interface that maintains low power consumption while improving user interface versatility.
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 reduces power consumption by enabling the device to detect power-up or wake-up events without continuous sensor monitoring, prolonging battery life and improving design efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A portable electronic device is disclosed having a surface of a user interface, a piezoelectric transducer coupled to the surface, and a controller. The piezoelectric transducer generates an electrical output originating at the piezoelectric transducer in response to mechanical actuation applied at the surface.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable electronic device comprising an external surface of a user interface, a piezoelectric transducer coupled to the external surface, and a controller. The piezoelectric transducer generates an electrical output originating at the piezoelectric transducer in response to mechanical actuation applied at the external surface. The controller performs an electronic function of the portable electronic device in response to the piezoelectric transducer generating the electrical output.