Strain-Sensing Electronic Button With Fingerprint and Force Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical buttons in electronic devices consume space, provide only binary output, and lack a smooth, continuous response due to their structural limitations.
Innovation Solution
An electronic button equipped with a capacitive fingerprint sensor and a strain gauge that captures fingerprint and force information, with temperature compensation to correct measurements and provide three-dimensional control, allowing for continuous response and efficient space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mechanical button is used, then the device structure is simple and reliable, but the device consumes more space and provides only binary output
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions (capacitive touch, force sensing, fingerprint recognition) into a single integrated button structure. The button includes a capacitive sensor for touch detection, a force sensor for pressure measurement, and a fingerprint sensor for biometric authentication, all within one compact component. This merging eliminates the need for separate mechanical buttons while providing continuous, multi-dimensional input data.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic button serves multiple functions simultaneously: it detects touch presence, measures applied force, captures fingerprint patterns, and provides continuous analog output. This multi-functionality replaces traditional mechanical buttons that could only detect binary pressed/unpressed states, enabling smoother control and more nuanced user interaction within the same space.
2Ease of operation
If a mechanical button is used, then the device structure is simple, but the response is binary and not smooth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical switch mechanism with electronic sensing systems. Instead of using a mechanical button that completes or breaks an electrical circuit, the invention employs capacitive sensors to detect touch, force sensors to measure pressure, and fingerprint sensors to capture biometric data. This substitution enables continuous analog output and smooth response while eliminating mechanical wear and binary limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated sensor system provides continuous feedback on touch presence, force magnitude, and fingerprint patterns. This feedback mechanism enables the device to respond smoothly to varying levels of user input, creating a more natural and nuanced interaction experience compared to binary mechanical buttons.
3Measurement precision
If temperature compensation is added to correct sensor measurements, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature compensation functionality is integrated into the existing sensor circuitry rather than adding separate compensation systems. The capacitive and force sensor circuits incorporate temperature sensing and compensation algorithms that utilize the same hardware infrastructure, correcting for temperature-induced measurement drift without requiring additional standalone components.
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
Enables a compact, continuous response mechanism that captures fingerprint and force data accurately, reducing space consumption and enhancing user interaction with electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
a strain gauge coupled to the rigid body. At least one portion of the strain gauge is mounted to the beam and sensitive to strain applied to a longitudinal axis of the beam
Implementation Method 2
a capacitive fingerprint sensor configured to provide a temperature measurement to correct measurements from the strain gauge
Data Source
AI summary
Input members with capacitive sensors are disclosed. In one embodiment of an electronic button, a first circuit is configured to capture a fingerprint of a user's finger placed on the electronic button, and a second circuit is configured to sense a force applied to the electronic button by the user's finger. The first circuit is further configured to provide temperature information to compensate for temperature sensitivities of the second circuit, and the second circuit is further configured to provide force information to the first circuit.