Rotary Input Device Multi-Row Electrode Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotary input devices face challenges in achieving high accuracy for switching between ON and OFF states due to stringent requirements for component accuracy, particularly when the connection boundary edge is close to the rotation center, leading to increased manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A rotary input device design that includes multiple electrode patterns and contacts, where the connection states are switched based on specific rotation angles, allowing for increased accuracy in rotation angle switching while reducing the required accuracy in component dimensions or disposition, with the contact state between the first contact and first electrode pattern defining the connection state between the slide electrode and the first electrode pattern, and the contact state between the second contact and second electrode pattern defining the connection state between the slide electrode and the second electrode pattern.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the connection boundary edge of the conductive pattern is positioned closer to the rotation center to achieve higher rotation angle accuracy, then the accuracy of switching operation angle is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirement for components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-row conductive pattern to a multi-row arrangement where the first conductive pattern is in a first row and the second conductive pattern is in a second row. This spatial reorganization in multiple dimensions allows the connection boundary edges to be positioned at different radial distances from the rotation center, enabling high rotation angle accuracy without requiring extremely high manufacturing precision for all components.
Solution Approach 2:
Different conductive patterns are assigned different positions relative to the rotation center. The first conductive pattern has its connection boundary edge at a first radial distance, while the second conductive pattern has its connection boundary edge at a second radial distance. This local differentiation allows each pattern to contribute to switching accuracy according to its specific position, reducing the overall manufacturing precision requirements compared to a uniform single-row design.
2Reliability
If multiple rows of conductive patterns are arranged radially about the rotation center, then the functionality and accuracy of switching operations are improved, but the manufacturing cost increases due to higher component accuracy requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges conductive patterns in multiple rows at different radial distances from the rotation center, utilizing the radial dimension effectively. This multi-dimensional arrangement provides redundant switching paths and improved reliability while distributing the precision requirements across different positions, which can reduce overall manufacturing complexity and cost compared to a single high-precision row.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching function is segmented across multiple conductive patterns positioned at different radial distances. The first conductive pattern handles switching at one radial position, while the second conductive pattern handles switching at another radial position. This segmentation allows each component to have moderate precision requirements rather than all components requiring extremely high precision, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining reliable switching operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A connection state (conduction/non-conduction) between a slide electrode and a first electrode pattern is switched with a first rotation angle as a boundary, and the switching of the connection state is generated by switching a contact state (contact/non-contact) between a first contact and a first electrode pattern. A connection state between a slide electrode and a second electrode pattern is switched with a third rotation angle as a boundary, and the switching of the connection state is generated by switching a contact state between a first contact and a second electrode pattern. That is, the contact state between the first contact farther away from a rotation center than the second contact and the electrode pattern defines a connection state between the slide electrode and an electrode pattern.