Thermoformable Capacitive Input Module for Passive 3D Controls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular control devices require complex electronic circuitry, numerous metal components, and traditional capacitive sensors, limiting design freedom, manufacturing cost, and assembly complexity while sacrificing user functionality.
Innovation Solution
A peripheral input device module made from thermo-formable conductive and non-conductive materials, utilizing capacitive sensing electrodes without on-board power, and electrically passive design that connects to a main control device to provide touch and pressure-based interactions, eliminating metal-based components and enabling flexible 3D shaping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional capacitive sensors, buttons and joysticks are used in peripheral input devices, then user input functionality is provided, but the device requires complex electronic circuitry, numerous metal components, and has limited design freedom
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical and electronic input components (buttons, joysticks, capacitive sensors) with a magnetic field-based sensing system. Magnets embedded in the peripheral device interact with a Hall effect sensor on the main device to detect position, orientation, and input actions, eliminating the need for complex electronic circuitry and metal components while maintaining input functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary between the peripheral input device and the main control device. The magnets on the peripheral device create magnetic fields that are detected by the Hall effect sensor, serving as a non-contact intermediary that transmits input information without requiring direct electrical or mechanical connections
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional capacitive sensors and electronic components are integrated in peripheral devices, then input functionality is achieved, but manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive electronic components and metal parts with simple magnets that can be easily manufactured and integrated into the peripheral device housing, significantly reducing manufacturing cost and assembly complexity while maintaining input functionality through magnetic field detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal interface where a single Hall effect sensor on the main device can work with multiple different peripheral devices using magnets, allowing the same sensing mechanism to handle various input types (position, orientation, buttons, joysticks) without requiring device-specific electronic circuitry
3Reliability
If conventional design restrictions are followed for capacitive sensors and buttons, then reliable input detection is achieved, but design freedom in form and function is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic and flexible design of peripheral devices by using magnets that can be positioned anywhere in the device structure without requiring rigid electronic circuit boards or fixed component placements, allowing creators to design devices in almost any form factor while maintaining reliable input detection through magnetic field interactions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental sensing parameter from electrical capacitance or mechanical contact to magnetic field strength and direction, allowing input detection to occur through non-contact means and enabling a wider range of design possibilities for peripheral device form and function
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 solution provides enhanced design freedom, reduced manufacturing costs, and simplified assembly while maintaining user functionality, allowing interchangeable modules with customizable control interfaces.
Implementation Method 1
the main device comprises a Hall effect sensor configured to detect changes in a magnetic field in response to a user interaction with the peripheral device
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)~2(d)
Figure 3(a)~3(d)
AI summary
A peripheral input device module (100) is connectable to a main control device (200) to provide electrical signal(s) in response to a user interaction. The input device comprises one or more thermo-formable non-metallic conductive sensing electrodes (110) configured to provide electrical signal(s) in response to a change in capacitance between (i) a sensing portion (110s) of the respective sensing electrode and a conductive object (400), and/or (ii) a sensing portion (110s) of the respective sensing electrode and a sensing portion (210s) of another of the one or more sensing electrodes or another sensing portion of the respective sensing electrode. At least one of the sensing electrodes comprises one or more connector portions (110c) that form an electrical connector (120). Each connector portion is configured to electrically connect to a respective electrical contact (210) of a capacitive sensing circuit (230) of the main control device for measuring the electrical signals.