Pushbutton Switch Integrating Fingerprint Sensor and Power Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fingerprint sensors in electronic devices require separate authentication steps, which can be inconvenient and limit their functionality beyond authentication.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device design incorporating a movable mounting frame with a finger biometric sensor, a flexure member for upward bias, and a pushbutton switch that integrates authentication with other functions, such as power-on operations, using a capacitive or electric field-based sensor with a flexible circuit substrate and a cover layer for efficient biometric data collection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fingerprint sensor is integrated into an electronic device, then authentication functionality is improved, but the device requires separate authentication steps which reduces ease of operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication functionalityVSAvoidseparate authentication steps

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the fingerprint sensor with a pushbutton switch into a single integrated component. The sensor is positioned within the pushbutton structure, allowing the button to serve dual purposes: mechanical input detection and biometric authentication. This merging eliminates the need for separate authentication steps while maintaining both functionalities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pushbutton switch is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as a mechanical input device for navigation or activation, while simultaneously housing a fingerprint sensor for biometric authentication. This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require separate elements, improving ease of operation without compromising authentication capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a fingerprint sensor is integrated into an electronic device, then authentication capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication capabilityVSAvoidadditional components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fingerprint sensor is integrated within the existing pushbutton switch structure rather than being added as a completely separate component. The sensor is positioned in the recess of the pushbutton, utilizing the button's existing housing and mounting infrastructure. This approach adds authentication capability while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity by leveraging existing structural elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If a fingerprint sensor is integrated into an electronic device, then biometric sensing is improved, but the sensor may be affected by external factors from the device housing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebiometric sensingVSAvoidexternal factors from device housing

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The pushbutton switch acts as an intermediary structure between the fingerprint sensor and the external environment. The button's recessed design and physical structure create a controlled environment for the sensor, shielding it from direct exposure to external factors while still allowing finger contact for authentication. This intermediary structure protects the sensor's measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The pushbutton is designed with a recessed area that segments the sensor space from the external housing environment. This segmentation creates a dedicated sensing zone that is physically separated from potential sources of interference, allowing the fingerprint sensor to operate with improved measurement precision while maintaining integration within the device housing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables quick and integrated authentication and additional functions like navigation and spoof detection within electronic devices, enhancing user convenience and device functionality without the need for separate authentication steps.

Implementation Method 1

A flexure member may be coupled to the underside of the device housing and configured to upwardly bias the mounting frame relative to the device housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

using a capacitive or electric field-based sensor with a flexible circuit substrate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS10049251B2Electronic device including pushbutton switch between finger biometric sensor and device housing and related methods

Publication Date: 2018.08.14 APPLE INC

AI summary

An electronic device may include a device housing having a topside and an underside. The electronic device may also include a mounting frame movable above the topside of the device housing and a finger biometric sensor carried by the mounting frame. A flexure member may be coupled to the underside of the device housing and configured to upwardly bias the mounting frame relative to the device housing. A pushbutton switch may be operatively coupled between the finger biometric sensor and the topside of the device housing.