Rockable Touch Panel With Press Restraint Against Misoperation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing input devices face the risk of misoperation when a portion that does not receive pressing is mistakenly pressed, leading to incorrect switch activation.

Innovation Solution

The input device incorporates a rockable operation panel with distinct operation portions for touching and pressing, and a restrainer mechanism that differentiates between operations on these portions, preventing unintended activation of pressure detectors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single operation panel is used for both touching and pressing operations, then the device structure is simple, but misoperation occurs when a portion that does not receive pressing is mistakenly pressed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation panel structureVSAvoidoperation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The operation panel is divided into multiple operation portions with different functions: a first operation portion that receives both touching and pressing operations, and a second operation portion that receives only touching operations. This segmentation allows the system to distinguish between intentional pressing actions and accidental touches, thereby preventing misoperation while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the operation panel are assigned different operational characteristics. The first operation portion is designed to respond to both touch and press inputs, while the second operation portion is designed to respond only to touch inputs. This local differentiation in operational quality enables the system to prevent misoperation by restricting which areas can trigger pressing actions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If a restrainer mechanism is added to differentiate operation portions, then misoperation is prevented, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation accuracyVSAvoidoperation panel structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The restrainer is integrated into the operation panel assembly as a unified structure rather than a separate mechanism. The restrainer is configured to move with the operation panel and automatically engages with the housing to prevent unintended activation of pressure detectors. This merging approach minimizes additional complexity while effectively preventing misoperation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The restrainer mechanism operates automatically based on the position and movement of the operation panel itself. When the operation panel is pressed within its allowed range, the restrainer permits pressure detector activation. When the panel moves beyond the allowed range, the restrainer automatically engages to prevent misoperation, without requiring external control systems or additional actuators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the operation panel is made rockable to enable directional input, then input versatility is improved, but the risk of misoperation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinput capabilityVSAvoidoperation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The operation panel is designed to be rockable about a fulcrum, allowing it to dynamically change position in response to user input. This dynamic capability enables the panel to distinguish between different types of operations: pressing within the allowed rocking range activates pressure detectors, while pressing beyond the range triggers the restrainer to prevent misoperation. The dynamic behavior provides versatility while maintaining reliability through automatic constraint enforcement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 effectively prevents misoperation by ensuring that pressing on specific areas does not activate the pressure detectors, allowing operators to recognize and correct mistaken inputs.

Implementation Method 1

an electrostatic detection electrode configured to detect touching

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic detection: Electrostatic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a pressure detector configured to detect the pressing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure detection: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS12393288B2Input device

Publication Date: 2025.08.19 ALPS ALPINE CO LTD

AI summary

An input device includes: a housing; an operation panel that includes an operation portion configured to receive touching and pressing from an operator, and is supported so as to be rockable relative to the housing; a substrate that is housed in the housing; an electrostatic detection electrode configured to detect the touching; and a pressure detector configured to detect the pressing. The operation portion includes a first operation portion configured to receive both of the touching and the pressing, and a second operation portion configured to receive only the touching without receiving the pressing. The input device includes a restrainer configured to differentiate operation that moves the operation panel toward the substrate upon pressing on the first operation portion from operation that moves the operation panel toward the substrate upon pressing on the second operation portion.