Strain Gauge Sensor Element for Seamless Tactile Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic devices with button-based configurations face manufacturing difficulties, increased assembly time, and reduced reliability due to dust and moisture ingress, along with inconvenient operation, especially when using gloves or in blind-touch conditions.
Innovation Solution
A sensor element comprising a first supporting layer with a higher Young's modulus and a compressible second supporting layer, integrated with a strain gauge, is embedded within the cover plate's pressing portion, eliminating the need for a physical keycap and creating a seamless interface, thereby simplifying manufacturing and enhancing reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a physical keycap is installed on the cover plate, then the user can operate the device with tactile feedback, but the manufacturing process becomes more complicated and assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the keycap function directly into the cover plate by creating a pressing portion with integrated sensor element, eliminating the need for separate keycap components and simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining tactile feedback capability
Solution Approach 2:
The cover plate is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the structural cover and the operational key interface through its pressing portion, reducing the total number of components needed in the device
2Ease of operation
If a physical keycap is installed on the cover plate, then the user can operate the device with tactile feedback, but the assembly time and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The keycap function is merged into the cover plate structure itself, allowing the sensor element to be integrated directly during cover plate manufacturing rather than requiring separate assembly steps for keycap installation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the keycap function from being a separate physical component and integrates it directly into the cover plate's pressing portion, eliminating the need for separate keycap assembly operations
3Ease of operation
If a physical keycap is installed on the cover plate, then the user can operate the device with tactile feedback, but dust and moisture can enter through the seam between key and opening
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing portion is merged directly into the cover plate structure, eliminating the seam or gap that would exist between a separate keycap and the cover plate opening, thereby preventing dust and moisture ingress
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the interface seam between keycap and cover plate by integrating the pressing portion directly into the cover plate, eliminating the vulnerability point for environmental contaminants
4Ease of operation
If a physical keycap is installed on the cover plate, then the user can operate the device with tactile feedback, but the configuration space within the electronic device is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The keycap function is merged into the cover plate structure, eliminating the need for separate keycap components and their associated mounting spaces, thereby optimizing the use of configuration space within the device
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
This configuration reduces manufacturing complexity, assembly time, and costs while preventing dust and moisture ingress, maintaining the device's appearance and improving tactile feedback and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a strain gauge. The strain gauge has a sensing area
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor element including a first supporting layer, a second supporting layer, and a strain gauge is provided. The first supporting layer has a first supporting surface. The second support layer has a second supporting surface. The second supporting layer is connected to the first supporting layer. The Young's modulus of the first supporting layer is greater than the Young's modulus of the second supporting layer. The strain gauge has a sensing area. The sensing area covers at least a portion of the first supporting surface and at least a portion of the second supporting surface. Furthermore, an electronic device including the sensor element is provided.