Piezoelectric Touch and Audio Switching for Compact Tag Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices, such as small-sized tag devices, face challenges in maintaining portability due to the inclusion of a touch key, which increases their volume.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing a metal portion on a piezoelectric element as a touch key, integrated with a sound output circuit and a touch sensing circuit, and controlling switching circuits to enable touch input detection and sound output functions, while optimizing scanning cycles based on input detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a touch key is included in the electronic device, then touch input functionality is improved, but the volume of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the touch key function with the piezoelectric element that serves dual purposes: sound output and touch sensing. The metal case acts as both the housing and the touch sensing electrode, eliminating the need for a separate touch key component. This merging of functions reduces device volume while maintaining touch input capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The piezoelectric element performs multiple functions: it serves as the sound output transducer, the touch sensing element, and the metal case serves as both structural housing and touch electrode. This multi-functionality eliminates redundant components and reduces overall device volume.
2Measurement precision
If continuous scanning is performed through the touch sensing circuit, then touch input detection accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic scanning with variable intervals. When no touch input is detected, the scanning cycle is extended to reduce power consumption. When a touch input is detected, the scanning frequency increases to maintain detection accuracy. This periodic action with adaptive timing resolves the contradiction between continuous monitoring and power savings.
Solution Approach 2:
The scanning cycle is made dynamic rather than static. The system adjusts the scanning interval based on detection state: longer intervals when no touch is present (saving power), and shorter intervals when touch is detected (maintaining accuracy). This dynamic adaptation resolves the fixed contradiction between continuous scanning and power consumption.
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
Enhances portability and functionality by allowing both touch input detection and sound output through a piezoelectric element, reducing power consumption by adjusting scanning cycles when no input is detected.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element (440) disposed in an inner space (235) of the housing (210)
Implementation Method 2
a touch sensing circuit (460) configured to detect a touch input on the piezoelectric element (440) based on a change in capacitance
Data Source
AI summary
At least one processor, individually and/or collectively, of an electronic device, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, may be configured to: if communicatively connected to an external electronic device through a short-range communication circuit in a state where a piezoelectric element and an audio output circuit are electrically connected, control at least one switching circuit so that the piezoelectric element and a touch sensing circuit are electrically connected; if a touch input is detected in the piezoelectric element through the touch sensing circuit, control the at least one switching circuit so that the piezoelectric element and the audio output circuit are electrically connected, and output audio through the audio output circuit; and after outputting the audio, control the at least one switching circuit so that the piezoelectric element and the touch sensing circuit are electrically connected.