Piezoelectric Input Interface for Multi-Function Analog Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing input devices for industrial applications often lack operability in controlling apparatuses in an analog manner, leading to inefficient user interaction and increased complexity due to the need for multiple input detectors for different control operations.

Innovation Solution

An input apparatus comprising a piezoelectric element attached to an operation interface, where the element expands and contracts in response to electric signals, allowing a single piezoelectric element to generate distinct voltage signals for different control operations, such as opening and closing a power window, by varying the direction and magnitude of displacement, thereby simplifying user input and reducing the number of required detectors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple input detectors are used for different control operations, then the control precision is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The piezoelectric element is designed to perform multiple functions by detecting different operational states through its electrical characteristics. A single piezoelectric element can distinguish between push operations, pull operations, and intermediate states by analyzing the direction and magnitude of electrical signals, eliminating the need for multiple separate detectors while maintaining control precision

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes changes in electrical parameters (voltage polarity, current direction, signal magnitude) of the piezoelectric element to differentiate between various control operations. By monitoring these parameter variations, the system achieves precise control differentiation without adding physical complexity through multiple detectors

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If multiple input detectors are used for different control operations, then the control accuracy is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The piezoelectric element serves as a universal sensor for multiple control operations. By configuring the element to detect both push and pull operations through its bidirectional piezoelectric effect, the system reduces component quantity, simplifies assembly processes, and lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining high control accuracy

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

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the functionality of multiple input detectors into a single piezoelectric element. This consolidation reduces the number of components that need to be manufactured, procured, and assembled, thereby reducing overall manufacturing cost while preserving the ability to accurately detect different control operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If a single piezoelectric element is used for multiple control operations, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidmeasurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system compensates for the potential precision loss by utilizing multiple electrical parameters (voltage polarity, current direction, signal magnitude) from the single piezoelectric element. By analyzing combinations of these parameters, the system can accurately distinguish between different operational states, maintaining measurement precision despite using fewer physical components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enhances operability by allowing a single piezoelectric element to control multiple functions, reducing manufacturing costs and enabling more intuitive and precise control of apparatuses, such as power windows, by using distinct voltage signals for different operations, thus improving user interaction.

Implementation Method 1

a piezoelectric element which is attached to the operation interface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3382513B1Input device and input method
Publication Date: 2023.09.20 KYOCERA CORP
  • EP3382513B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3382513B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3382513B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An input apparatus includes an operation interface configured to receive an input operation from a user, a piezoelectric element attached to the operation interface, and a controller configured to acquire output based on the input operation to the operation interface from the piezoelectric element and to execute different control with respect to a controlled apparatus in accordance with the output.