Solid-State Sensor Assembly With Haptic Feedback in Tight Enclosures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mechanical switches are large, prone to wear, and difficult to integrate into compact electronic devices, limiting their use in modern portable electronics due to size constraints and reliability issues.
Innovation Solution
The development of solid-state sensor assemblies that require minimal deflection for activation, incorporating capacitive touch sensors with a compliant member and trim design to provide tactile and acoustic feedback, allowing for compact integration and reduced wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mechanical switches are used, then audible and tactile response is provided, but device size becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical switches with solid-state capacitive touch sensors that detect changes in capacitance when a conductor (such as a finger) approaches or contacts the sensor surface. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical moving parts while maintaining user interaction capabilities, thereby reducing device size without sacrificing tactile feedback functionality.
2Ease of manufacture
If mechanical switches are used, then low cost is achieved, but reliability decreases due to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical switches with solid-state capacitive touch sensors that have no moving parts, eliminating mechanical wear and significantly improving reliability. The sensors detect touch through changes in electrical capacitance, providing a wear-free alternative that maintains manufacturing feasibility through established semiconductor fabrication processes.
3Volume of moving object
If solid-state sensors are used, then device size is reduced, but tactile feedback capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a haptic actuator that dynamically generates tactile feedback by creating vibrations or resistance forces in response to user input. This allows the solid-state sensor system to provide tactile feedback on demand, maintaining user interaction quality while preserving the compact form factor enabled by solid-state technology.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the sensor detects user input and triggers a haptic response through the haptic actuator. This closed-loop feedback system restores tactile interaction capabilities by providing physical sensation in response to user actions, compensating for the lack of inherent mechanical feedback in solid-state sensors.
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 solid-state sensor assemblies enable compact integration in small form factor devices, provide reliable and durable input detection with minimal movement, and offer enhanced user experience through tactile and acoustic feedback, mimicking mechanical switch interactions.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor assembly includes a capacitive touch sensor configured to detect the input
Implementation Method 2
The compliant member is configured to compress and provide a return force in response to the input
Data Source
AI summary
Sensor assemblies for electronic devices are described. According to some embodiments, the sensor assemblies include solid-state sensors, such as capacitive sensors, piezoelectric sensors or piezoresistive sensors. The sensor assemblies can include a number of features that provide a compact profile, making them well suited for integration into small spaces of electronic device enclosures. The sensor assemblies can also include features that isolate movement of various parts of the sensor assemblies, allowing for accurate detection of a sensing event. According to some embodiments, the sensor assemblies are coupled to haptic actuators, speaker, or both, which mimic the feel of a mechanical button and enhance a user's experience.