Piezoelectric Sensor Input for Mobile Terminal Handedness

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional mobile terminals with function keys on the side surface protrude, disrupting the design and are inconvenient for left-handed users, as they are typically designed for right-handed operation.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating piezoelectric sensors on both sides of the mobile terminal, allowing function keys to be set based on user preference, enabling flexible placement and operation regardless of handedness, with sensors positioned to detect pressure changes and trigger specific functions without the need for precise location pressing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If button type function keys are positioned at the side surface of the mobile terminal, then user convenience for operation is improved, but the design simplicity of the mobile terminal deteriorates due to protruding keys

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser convenienceVSAvoiddesign simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical button structure with a piezoelectric sensor that detects pressure changes. Instead of using protruding physical keys that disrupt the terminal's sleek design, the invention uses sensors embedded in the side surface that detect pressure applied to specific areas, thereby maintaining design simplicity while preserving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If function keys are positioned for right-handed users, then right-handed user convenience is improved, but left-handed user convenience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveright-handed user convenienceVSAvoidleft-handed user convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universality by providing piezoelectric sensors on both side surfaces of the mobile terminal, allowing the device to accommodate both right-handed and left-handed users. Each side surface has sensors positioned to facilitate convenient operation for users holding the terminal in either hand, making the device adaptable to different user preferences and handedness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies asymmetry by positioning different sets of function keys on opposite side surfaces. The first piezoelectric sensor on the first side surface is configured for right-handed operation, while the second piezoelectric sensor on the second side surface is configured for left-handed operation, creating asymmetric layouts that optimize convenience for different user groups.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple function keys are integrated into the side surface, then device functionality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidinput device complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple function keys into a single integrated piezoelectric sensor unit on each side surface. Instead of using separate physical buttons for different functions, the invention combines multiple sensing elements into one compact sensor assembly that can detect pressure at different locations, thereby providing multiple functions while reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from traditional mechanical buttons occupying three-dimensional space to a two-dimensional pressure-sensitive sensor surface. By detecting the location and intensity of pressure applied to different areas of the sensor, the system provides multiple function keys without adding physical depth or protruding elements, effectively using another dimension (pressure distribution) to encode multiple functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 simplifies the design by eliminating protruding keys and enhances user convenience by allowing customizable key functions for both right- and left-handed users, improving usability and flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

a piezoelectric sensor unit including a first piezoelectric sensor positioned at a first side surface of the body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS8284567B2Mobile terminal including input device having piezoelectric sensor and method of operating the same

Publication Date: 2012.10.09 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A mobile terminal including an input device using a piezoelectric sensor and a method of operating the mobile terminal are provided. The mobile terminal includes: a body; and a piezoelectric sensor unit including a first piezoelectric sensor positioned at a first side surface of the body and to which at least one function key for performing a first specific function corresponding to a user function of the mobile terminal is set and a second piezoelectric sensor positioned at a second side surface of the body and to which at least one function key for performing a second specific function different to the first specific function is set.