Integrated Rotary Push Knob for Simultaneous Input Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing input detecting devices with touch panels and operation knobs require users to release the dial operation unit and hold the button operation unit during rotation and pushing operations, leading to poor operability.
Innovation Solution
An input detecting device with a rotary portion that can be rotated and pushed without releasing the rotary portion, featuring a capacitive touch panel, conductive components, and elastic contact portions for detecting rotation and push actions, allowing simultaneous rotation and pushing without the need to reposition the dial.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the operation knob includes a button operation unit at the center and a dial operation unit around it, then both button and dial functions are provided, but the user must release the dial operation unit to hold the button operation unit, resulting in poor operability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the button operation unit and dial operation unit into a single integrated operation knob that can perform both pushing and rotating actions. The detection unit detects both push actions (when the knob is pressed toward the display panel) and rotation actions (when the knob is rotated) without requiring the user to switch between separate controls, thereby improving operability while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The operation knob is designed as a multi-functional control element that combines both dial rotation and button pushing capabilities in one component. The detection unit is configured to recognize multiple types of operations (rotation and push) from the same physical component, allowing the knob to serve multiple functions simultaneously rather than requiring separate dedicated controls
2Ease of operation
If the transmitting unit is located away from the surface of the touch display panel, then the operation knob can be rotated and pushed, but the detection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transmission mechanism as an intermediary between the operation knob and the detection unit. The transmission unit transmits the rotational and pushing actions from the operation knob to the detection unit, which is positioned away from the display panel surface. This intermediary mechanism enables complex operations to be detected through a simplified interface while managing the detection complexity through mechanical transmission
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 operability by enabling continuous rotation and pushing actions without the need to reposition the dial, improving user interaction and reducing operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
the position detector includes a capacitive touch panel pattern, the rotary portion is conductive, the rotation detectable portion is conductive and electrically connected to the rotary portion
Implementation Method 2
at least one of the rotary portion and the push detectable portion has a push detection elastic contact portion configured to be in elastic contact with a counterpart when the rotary portion is positioned at one of the standby position and the advanced position
Data Source
AI summary
An input detecting device includes: an input receiver configured to receive position input; a position detector included in the input receiver and configured to detect at least a position of the position input; a rotary portion rotatably attached to the input receiver and configured to move between a standby position spaced apart from the input receiver and an advanced position closer than the standby position to the input receiver; a rotation detectable portion configured to be rotated relative to the input receiver together with the rotary portion and whose position is detectable by the position detector; and a push detectable portion whose position is detectable by the position detector when the rotary portion is positioned at one of the standby position and the advanced position.