Rotary Audio Control With Non-Contact Touch Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing audio equipment with rotary operation units, such as jog dials, face issues with mechanical operating noise due to rotation resistance and unsuitable touch detection mechanisms that disrupt DJ performances, as they require mechanical rolling motions and power supply connections that are not conducive to precise and noise-free operations.

Innovation Solution

The audio equipment incorporates a rotary operation unit with a non-contact power supply system using electromagnetic induction between a power supplying coil and a power receiving coil, allowing for the detection of user operations without mechanical rolling, thus reducing noise and enabling precise touch detection suitable for DJ operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a sheet switch with rollers is used for touch detection, then touch operation can be detected, but mechanical operating noise increases and rotation resistance cannot be reduced below a certain level

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetouch detection accuracyVSAvoidmechanical operating noise

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical roller-sheetswitch system with a magnetic field-based detection system. A magnetic sensor detects the position of a magnet attached to the rotary operation unit, eliminating mechanical contact and thus eliminating mechanical operating noise while maintaining precise position detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the rotary operation unit and the detection system. The magnet on the rotary unit interacts with the magnetic sensor through the magnetic field, enabling non-contact detection of rotation position and touch operations without mechanical rollers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the detection circuit is installed in the main body with power supply and signal lines, then the system is stable, but the structure becomes complex and requires mechanical connection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem stabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical signal transmission through rollers and sheet switches with magnetic field-based detection. The magnetic sensor in the main body detects magnet position changes, providing stable detection without complex mechanical connections or signal lines.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic sensor serves multiple functions: detecting rotation position, detecting touch operations, and potentially detecting pressing force. This multi-functionality simplifies the overall system structure while maintaining reliability, as one sensor replaces what would otherwise require multiple mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If rollers are arranged circularly to press the sheet switch, then touch detection is enabled, but rotation resistance increases and smooth rotation is hindered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetouch detection capabilityVSAvoidrotation smoothness

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the roller-mechanical contact system entirely and uses a magnetic field-based detection system. The magnet on the rotary unit interacts with the magnetic sensor without mechanical contact, allowing smooth rotation without resistance from rollers while maintaining precise touch and position detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 enables smooth rotary operations and precise touch detection in a noise-free environment, allowing DJs to perform operations similar to traditional systems while eliminating mechanical noise and the need for rollers, thus enhancing the user experience and equipment efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a power supplying section provided for the equipment body and configured to supply power to the operation detecting section in a non-contact manner

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11863141B2Audio equipment including rotary operation unit, operation detecting section, power supplying section, and monitoring section

Publication Date: 2024.01.02 ALPHATHETA CORP

AI summary

There is provided audio equipment that enables power supply and signal connection to a rotary operation unit in a non-contact manner. The audio equipment includes: the rotary operation unit rotatably supported in relation to an equipment body; an operation detecting section provided for the rotary operation unit and in which an electric load changes in response to a pressing operation; a power supplying section provided for the equipment body and configured to supply power to the operation detecting section in a non-contact manner; and a monitoring section configured to monitor the power supplied by the power supplying section to detect the user's operation from a change in the power.