Switch Device With Elastic Strain Sensors For Precise Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional switch devices are complex and lack a simple structure for effectively detecting various operational movements and pressures, limiting their functionality and user experience.
Innovation Solution
A switch device with a novel structure incorporating a base, a mounting member with elastic strain sensors that change capacitance with movement, allowing for detection of tilting and pressing operations through a system of elastic strain sensors and an input detector, providing a soft-touch feel and improved operability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional switch devices are used, then multiple switching functions are provided, but the structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple switching functions into a single integrated structure. The operation shaft integrates pushing, turning, and swinging operations, while the elastic strain sensors and capacitance detection system provide unified detection for all operations. This merging eliminates the need for separate mechanical switches for each function, achieving multiple switching capabilities with a simplified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical switching mechanisms with an electrical detection system based on elastic strain sensors and capacitance changes. Instead of using multiple mechanical switches with different actuation mechanisms, the system uses a single operation shaft whose movements are detected by strain sensors that measure elastic deformation, substituting mechanical complexity with electrical sensing.
2Measurement precision
If elastic strain sensors are used to detect movements, then detection precision is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic strain sensors serve multiple functions simultaneously: they detect pushing operations, turning operations, and swinging operations of the operation shaft. The same sensor system that measures elastic deformation for precise movement detection also provides the switching signals for all three operations, eliminating the need for separate detection mechanisms for each type of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent detects operational movements by measuring changes in elastic strain parameters. The elastic strain sensors detect changes in length, width, or thickness of the operation shaft during pushing, turning, and swinging operations. By monitoring parameter changes in the elastic deformation rather than using complex mechanical position detection, the system achieves high measurement precision with a relatively simple structure.
3Device complexity
If a simpler structure is used, then device complexity is reduced, but detection capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic strain sensors act as intermediaries between the mechanical operation shaft and the electrical detection system. The sensors convert mechanical movements of the operation shaft into measurable electrical signals through elastic deformation. This intermediary approach allows the simple mechanical structure of the operation shaft to be effectively coupled with the electrical detection system, maintaining simplicity while enhancing detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in electrical parameters (analogous to color changes in optical detection) to detect mechanical operations. The capacitance values of the elastic strain sensors change in response to elastic deformation during pushing, turning, and swinging operations. By detecting these electrical parameter changes rather than directly observing mechanical movements, the system achieves enhanced detection capability with a simple structure.
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
The device achieves precise detection of movements and pressures with a simpler structure, enhancing user interaction and operational efficiency by utilizing capacitance changes in elastic strain sensors, offering a softer touch feel compared to traditional hard-touch devices.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the plurality of elastic strain sensors is configured to show an elongation and have a capacitance that changes according the elongation
Implementation Method 2
Each of the plurality of elastic strain sensors is configured to show an elongation
Data Source
AI summary
A switch device includes a base, a mounting member protruding from the base, a plurality of elastic strain sensors, and an input detector. Each of the plurality of elastic strain sensors spans between a top portion of the mounting member and a corresponding one of a plurality of peripheral portions of the base. The plurality of peripheral portions are circumferentially spaced apart from each other around the mounting member. Each of the plurality of elastic strain sensors is configured to change a capacitance according to elongation. The input detector is configured to obtain a change in the capacitance of each of the plurality of elastic strain sensors.