Solid-State Sensor Assembly for Compact Tactile Button Input
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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 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 audible and tactile response is provided, but device size increases and integration becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical switches with 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 providing tactile feedback through haptic actuators, thereby reducing device size while maintaining user interaction quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary capacitive sensing mechanism between the user and the device circuitry. Instead of direct mechanical contact, the sensor detects electrical field changes caused by the user's proximity or contact, enabling touch detection without physical switch actuation and reducing the need for large mechanical components.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical switches are used, then simple operation is achieved, but reliability decreases due to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical switching mechanisms with solid-state capacitive sensors that have no moving parts. The sensor detects touch input through changes in capacitance values when a conductor approaches or contacts the sensor surface, eliminating mechanical wear and significantly improving reliability while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs solid-state capacitive sensors that are inherently more durable than mechanical switches. These sensors have no consumable mechanical parts that wear out, providing long-term reliability without requiring replacement, unlike mechanical switches that degrade over time due to repeated actuation.
3Ease of operation
If mechanical switches are used, then tactile feedback is provided, but integration into compact devices becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical switches with capacitive touch sensors integrated into the device housing or display surface. The sensor system includes capacitive sensing elements, signal processing circuitry, and haptic feedback actuators that work together in a compact configuration, eliminating the need for separate mechanical switch assemblies and simplifying integration into modern portable devices.
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 efficient integration into small form factor devices, offering enhanced durability and user feedback without the need for significant physical movement, thus improving user experience and device reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor 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.