Thin Film Switch Multi-Signal Output via Segmented Conductors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thin film switches can only produce a single electrical signal when pressed, limiting the functionality of press keys and keyboards, requiring users to press multiple keys to achieve complex movements in applications like computer gaming.
Innovation Solution
A thin film switch design featuring multiple first and second electric conductors arranged in specific intervals and configurations, allowing different signals to be triggered by varying forces applied to the switch, enabling engagement of conductors through a spacer layer with holes of different diameters to facilitate multiple electrical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional thin film switch uses only one pair of electric conductors, then the structure is simple, but only one electrical signal can be produced when pressed
Solution Approach 1:
The first conductor unit is divided into multiple first electric conductors (at least three) arranged in different positions on the first thin film. The second conductor unit contains multiple second electric conductors arranged correspondingly. This segmentation allows different combinations of conductors to engage based on pressing position, enabling multiple signal outputs from a single key structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single conductor pair to a multi-conductor array configuration, adding spatial dimensionality to the conductor arrangement. By positioning multiple conductors at different locations on the thin films and using a spacer layer with correspondingly positioned holes, the system can detect both the position and force of pressing, generating different signals based on which conductors engage.
2Productivity
If multiple keys are used to achieve complex movements, then the movement control capability is complete, but the operation becomes tedious and troublesome
Solution Approach 1:
A single press key equipped with this multi-conductor thin film switch can perform multiple functions by generating different electrical signals based on pressing position and force. The first and second electric conductors can engage in different combinations, allowing one key to replace multiple keys for controlling figure movements in computer games, thereby improving operation efficiency without increasing the number of physical keys.
3Length of moving object
If the thin film switch is made thinner and smaller, then it is more suitable for electronic devices, but the conductor engagement reliability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
A spacer layer is introduced as an intermediary component between the first and second thin films. This spacer layer contains holes positioned to align with the conductors, providing a controlled gap and guiding the engagement of conductors when pressed. The spacer layer ensures reliable electrical connection even in thin film structures by maintaining precise spacing and alignment, thus improving conductor engagement reliability without increasing overall thickness.
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 emission of multiple distinct signals from a single press key or keyboard, significantly reducing the number of keys needed to perform complex movements, thereby enhancing user interaction and reducing operational tediousness.
Implementation Method 1
a first thin film, having a first conductor unit mounted on a surface thereof; and a second thin film, disposed corresponding to the surface of the first thin film where the first conductor unit is mounted while allowing the second thin film to be spaced from the first thin film by a first interval
Data Source
AI summary
A thin film switch is disclosed, which comprises: a first thin film, having a first conductor unit mounted on a surface thereof; and a second thin film, having a second conductor unit mounted on a surface thereof facing toward the first thin film; wherein, the first conductor unit is composed of a plurality of first electric conductors, and the second conductor is composed of at least one second electric conductor; and the first conductor unit and the second conductor unit are arranged at positions corresponding to each other while being spaced from each other by a specific interval; the at least one second electric conductor is enabled to engage with one of the plural first electric conductors for constructing an electrical conduction when the thin film switch is subjected to a load for forcing the first and the second thin films to move toward each other.