Strain Gauge Input Apparatus for Grip Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional input apparatuses for electronic devices can only recognize a limited number of input operations, such as taps, long presses, or swipes, which are insufficient for the evolving functions of electronic devices, necessitating the development of new types of input operations that can be performed with simple user interactions.
Innovation Solution
An input apparatus comprising sensors, amplifying circuits, and an analog-digital converter (ADC) that detects deformation of the device's housing through strain gauges, allowing for the recognition of grip or deformation-based input operations, with a logic circuit to process signals and enable additional control methods, such as gripping the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional touch panels and physical buttons are used, then the device structure remains simple, but the number of recognizable input operations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical input devices (touch panels and physical buttons) with a strain gauge-based sensing system. The strain gauge detects mechanical deformation of the housing directly, converting mechanical input operations into electrical signals without requiring complex mechanical switch structures or capacitive touch layer assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The strain gauge is integrated into the housing structure itself, allowing the housing to serve dual purposes: as the structural frame and as the sensing element. This multi-functional design enables the same structural component to detect multiple types of input operations including gripping, squeezing, and twisting actions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If strain gauges are used to detect housing deformation, then new input operations like gripping can be recognized, but the circuit complexity increases with multiple amplifying stages and filters
Solution Approach 1:
The signal processing is divided into distinct functional stages: a first amplifying circuit for initial signal amplification, a high-pass filter for noise removal, a second amplifying circuit for further signal enhancement, and an ADC for digital conversion. Each stage processes the signal independently, making the overall complex system manageable and modular.
Solution Approach 2:
The high-pass filter is positioned between the first and second amplifying circuits to remove low-frequency noise and DC offsets before the second amplification stage. This preliminary filtering prevents noise amplification and reduces the burden on subsequent signal processing stages.
3Measurement precision
If multiple amplifying circuits and filters are added to process strain gauge signals, then signal processing capability improves, but the device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The strain gauge signal processing system is designed to be self-contained within the housing structure. The strain gauge, amplifying circuits, and ADC are integrated into a compact arrangement that minimizes external components and interconnections, reducing assembly complexity and manufacturing costs.
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 the detection of novel input operations like gripping the device, offering a low-cost solution with a large input range, thereby enhancing user interaction capabilities and improving device performance.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one sensor includes a strain gauge and a first resistor that are connected in series
Data Source
AI summary
An input apparatus and an electronic device applying the input apparatus. The input apparatus includes: at least one sensor, configured to detect an inputting operation, and output a first signal based on the inputting operation; at least one amplifying circuit, configured to amplify a difference between the first signal and a referential signal, to output a second signal, where each of the at least one amplifying circuit comprises a plurality of stages, each of the plurality stages comprises an amplifier, and a high-pass filter is connected between last two stages of the plurality of stages; and an analog-digital converter, configured to convert the second signal into a digital signal characterizing a state of the inputting operation, where the ADC comprises at least one comparator. Users can give instructions through novel inputting operations, and performances of the electronic device are greatly improved.