Solid-State Sensor Assembly for Compact Tactile Button Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
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 compliant members and trims to provide tactile and acoustic feedback, mimicking the experience of mechanical switches while being more compact and durable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mechanical switches are used, then tactile and audible response is provided, but device size increases and integration becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical switches with solid-state sensors that detect user input through capacitive coupling. The sensor assembly includes a sensor cover, sensor, and compliant member that together detect touches without requiring mechanical contact or movement, eliminating the need for large mechanical components while maintaining user feedback through haptic and acoustic responses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a thin compliant member positioned between the sensor cover and the sensor. This flexible element allows the sensor cover to deflect slightly during touch input while maintaining electrical isolation, enabling the system to achieve mechanical-like tactile feedback through a thin, flexible structure rather than bulky mechanical components.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical switches are used, then input detection is achieved, but component wear occurs and frequent replacement is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical switching components with solid-state capacitive sensors that have no moving parts or contact surfaces. The sensor detects user input through changes in capacitance caused by proximity or touch, eliminating mechanical wear entirely and providing a reliable, maintenance-free input mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If mechanical switches are used, then electrical circuit completion is achieved, but integration into compact devices becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical switch assemblies with a planar solid-state sensor assembly that can be integrated into the display structure. The sensor, compliant member, and sensor cover form a compact stack that requires minimal space and can be manufactured using standard thin-film deposition techniques, greatly simplifying integration into portable devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent structures the sensor assembly as a nested stack of components: the sensor is positioned beneath the compliant member, which is beneath the sensor cover. This nested arrangement allows multiple functional elements to occupy a small vertical space, enabling compact integration while maintaining all necessary functions for input detection and user feedback.
4Volume of moving object
If solid-state sensors with small deflection are used, then device size is reduced, but tactile feedback capability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a thin compliant member as an intermediary between the rigid sensor cover and the fixed sensor. This flexible element can be deflected by user touch, and its movement is detected by the sensor, enabling tactile feedback in a compact configuration where the sensor cover itself does not need to undergo large deflections.
Solution Approach 2:
The compliant member serves as an intermediary that translates user touch forces into detectable sensor signals. By positioning this flexible element between the user interface (sensor cover) and the detection element (sensor), the system can provide tactile feedback through the compliant member's deflection while keeping the overall device size small.
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
These sensor assemblies enable compact integration into small form factor devices, offering enhanced durability and user feedback through haptic and acoustic responses, improving user experience and reducing the need for frequent replacements.
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.