Tactility Element Merging Antenna and Switch Functions

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Solution Overview

Problem

In small electronic devices, there is a challenge in concurrently achieving tactile feedback for button presses, antenna functionality, and switch activation within limited space, as these components often compete for exterior surface space and require proximity to the device's exterior.

Innovation Solution

A portable communications device design that integrates a push button with an embedded tactility element acting as both a tactile feedback provider and an antenna radiating element, which deflects to provide tactile response and engages with a printed circuit board to activate switches, allowing for simultaneous antenna functionality and switch activation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate tactile feedback elements and antenna elements are used, then tactile feedback and antenna functionality are both achieved, but device space is wasted due to multiple components competing for exterior surface area

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetactile feedbackVSAvoidexterior surface area

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the tactile feedback element and antenna element into a single integrated component. The tactility element is configured to provide tactile feedback when pressed while simultaneously serving as an antenna radiating element, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing exterior surface area requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The tactility element is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides tactile feedback to the user when pressed, acts as an antenna radiating element for wireless communication, and engages with the printed circuit board to activate switches. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed and optimizes space utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple components are used for tactile feedback, antenna functionality, and switch activation, then all functions are achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional capabilityVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functional components into a single tactility element that simultaneously provides tactile feedback, antenna functionality, and switch activation capability. This integration reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for separate components for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The tactility element is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions: providing tactile feedback, serving as an antenna radiating element, and engaging with the printed circuit board to activate switches. This multi-functionality maintains full functional capability while reducing the number of components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If tactile feedback elements are placed near the exterior surface, then tactile feedback is effective, but antenna elements also require proximity to the exterior for optimal radiation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetactile feedback effectivenessVSAvoidantenna radiation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the tactile feedback element and antenna element into a single component located near the exterior surface. This integration allows both functions to operate effectively from the same position, eliminating the conflict between tactile feedback requirements and antenna radiation requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The tactility element serves as both a tactile feedback provider and an antenna radiating element, allowing it to be positioned near the exterior surface to satisfy both functions simultaneously. This multi-functional design resolves the spatial conflict between tactile and antenna requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 design effectively utilizes space by combining tactile feedback and antenna functions in a single element, enhancing user experience and device efficiency by providing tactile response and maintaining antenna functionality without increasing device size.

Implementation Method 1

the tactility element is deflectable from a first position to a second position in response to application of a force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

an antenna radiating element disposed within the housing and spaced from the push button. The antenna radiating element is configured to be contacted and deflected by the push button to provide a tactile response

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20190097665A1Portable communications device with tactility element

Publication Date: 2019.03.28 MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A portable communications device includes a housing, a push button disposed along the housing, and an antenna radiating element disposed within the housing and spaced from the push button. The antenna radiating element is configured to be contacted and deflected by the push button to provide a tactile response when the push button is pressed.