Single-Electrode Capacitive Switch for Multi-Stage Press Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing capacitive input devices in vehicles require multiple electrodes, leading to increased complexity and cost due to the need for additional fixtures.
Innovation Solution
A capacitive operating device utilizing a single electrode and two elastic members - a rubber and a metal dome - to detect multiple stages of pressing operations based on capacitance changes, simplifying the configuration and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple electrodes are used to detect different pressing stages, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple electrodes into a single electrode system. The first elastic member (rubber) and second elastic member (metal dome) work together with one electrode to detect both intermediate and final pressing stages, eliminating the need for separate first and second electrodes while maintaining dual-stage detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single electrode is designed to serve multiple functions: it detects both the intermediate pressing state (when the rubber deforms) and the final pressing state (when the metal dome contacts the substrate). The elastic members are also multi-functional, providing both mechanical support and capacitive detection functionality.
2Measurement precision
If multiple electrodes are used to detect different pressing stages, then detection capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple electrode functions into a single electrode, directly reducing the number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This merging approach reduces fixture requirements and manufacturing complexity, leading to lower production costs while maintaining the ability to detect multiple pressing stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the capacitance coupling effect as a functional copy or alternative to direct electrical contact detection. By detecting capacitance changes in the elastic members rather than requiring direct contact between multiple electrodes and the operating unit, the system achieves multi-stage detection with fewer physical components.
3Measurement precision
If multiple electrodes are used, then detection accuracy is improved, but the number of fixtures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the detection functions of multiple electrodes into a single electrode system. The first elastic member and second elastic member together with one electrode replace what would traditionally require multiple separate electrodes and their associated fixtures, reducing the overall number of fixtures while maintaining detection accuracy for multiple pressing stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic members (rubber and metal dome) act as intermediaries between the operating unit and the single electrode. They transmit mechanical deformation information to the electrode through capacitance changes, enabling the single electrode to detect multiple pressing stages without requiring direct contact or multiple fixtures.
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 simplifies the device configuration and reduces costs by using fewer components while effectively detecting multiple stages of pressing operations through capacitance changes.
Implementation Method 1
an electrode provided on the substrate, the electrode generating capacitance with the second elastic member; and a detecting unit detecting the capacitance generated on the electrode
Implementation Method 2
a first elastic member placed in abutment on the substrate and the operating unit between the substrate and the operating unit, the first elastic member having a spaced portion formed apart from the substrate, the first elastic member deforming so that the spaced portion moves toward the substrate as a result that the operating unit is pressed and operated
Implementation Method 3
an electroconductive second elastic member on a surface facing the substrate of the spaced portion of the first elastic member, the second elastic member abutting on the substrate and deforming as a result that the operating unit is pressed and operated and the spaced portion moves toward the substrate
Data Source
AI summary
An operating device of the present disclosure includes: an operating unit placed apart from a substrate and pressed and operated by a user; a first elastic member placed in abutment on the substrate and the operating unit therebetween, having a spaced portion formed apart from the substrate, and deforming so that the spaced portion moves toward the substrate as a result that the operating unit is pressed and operated; an electroconductive second elastic member on a surface facing the substrate of the spaced portion of the first elastic member, abutting on the substrate and deforming as a result that the operating unit is pressed and operated and the spaced portion moves 10 toward the substrate; an electrode provided on the substrate and generating capacitance with the second elastic member; and a detecting unit detecting the capacitance generated on the electrode and accepting an operation corresponding to a detected capacitance value.