Pressure Sensor Input for Function Switching and Water Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current digital devices with built-in G-sensors have limited functionality during movement and lack protection against water damage, leading to reduced user experience and potential device harm.
Innovation Solution
A pressure enabling apparatus comprising a pressure sensor, resistance wire, and pressure setting module that varies resistance based on strain, allowing electronic devices to change applications or functions based on pressure values, and includes a protective film for the sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a G-sensor is built into the mobile phone to detect movement and enable functions like gaming and camera, then the device can respond to user actions, but the functionality remains single and limited, reducing user experience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions (G-sensor for acceleration detection and pressure sensor for pressure detection) within a single electronic device to enable diverse applications. The pressure sensor detects pressing operations on the device body, allowing functions like making calls, playing games, music playback, and document reading through different pressure levels, thereby achieving multi-functionality and enhanced user experience.
2Reliability
If a G-sensor is used for detecting acceleration and protecting the hard disk, then the hard disk can be protected during falling, but the device lacks protection against water damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes water as a triggering mechanism for protection. When the device falls into water, the pressure sensor detects the water pressure and automatically activates the floating mechanism to make the device float on the water surface, converting the harmful water immersion into a beneficial automatic protection response.
Solution Approach 2:
The device automatically detects water immersion through the pressure sensor and autonomously activates the floating mechanism without requiring user intervention. The control unit receives the pressure signal and automatically controls the floating mechanism to elevate the device, enabling self-protection against water damage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a pressure sensor is added to enable pressure-based functions, then the device can switch applications based on pressure, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the pressure sensor with the existing device structure, attaching it to the device body where it can detect pressing operations. The control unit that processes pressure signals is merged with the existing control architecture, allowing the pressure sensor to work in conjunction with the G-sensor and other existing components to enable multiple functions without requiring completely separate systems.
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 user experience by enabling devices to switch functions (e.g., calling, gaming, music) based on pressure and provides protection against water damage by automatically floating when submerged.
Implementation Method 1
A resistance of the pressure sensor can be varied according to variation of a strain on the electronic apparatus
Implementation Method 2
The resistance wire is connected between the pressure sensor and the electronic apparatus. The pressure setting module is used for setting a pressure value corresponding to a resistance variation of the resistance wire
Implementation Method 3
the pressure sensor is attached to an outer surface of the electronic apparatus by adhesive
Implementation Method 4
the pressure sensor is attached to an outer surface of the electronic apparatus by adhesive and is covered with a protective film
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure enabling apparatus includes: a pressure sensor, a resistance wire and a pressure setting module, wherein a terminal of the resistance wire is connected to the pressure sensor and another terminal thereof is connected to an electronic apparatus. The pressure setting module is provided for receiving and converting a resistance variation of the resistance wire into a pressure value. The pressure sensor is provided for varying the resistance value thereof according to an external pressure variation, wherein the resistance variation is processed and transmitted to the pressure setting module via the resistance wire. The electronic apparatus implements an application or function according to a pressure value of the pressure setting module. An electronic apparatus is also provided for implementing different applications by pressing the electronic apparatus and for setting numbers or pages when an application of music-playing or document-reading is locked.