Touch Input Device Noise Reduction via Elastic Damping Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional touch input devices generate noise due to air vibration, deformation of the resilient metal sheet, and contact between the actuating portion and the bottom plate, which is undesirable.
Innovation Solution
A touch input device design featuring a dome-shaped actuating member with a resilient metal sheet surrounded by a noise reduction member made of elastic material, which absorbs vibrations and includes a recess to further reduce noise, allowing the actuating portion to connect with the circuit board while minimizing noise generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional touch input device uses a resilient metal sheet and actuating portion that contacts the bottom plate, then the device can generate touch signals, but noise is generated due to vibration and contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a noise reduction member as an intermediary element between the actuating portion and the bottom plate. This member includes a vibration absorption portion that intercepts and absorbs vibrations before they reach the bottom plate, and a buffer portion that provides cushioning. The intermediary structure allows the touch signal generation function to remain while significantly reducing the noise caused by direct contact and vibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful vibrations and noise into beneficial vibration absorption. The vibration absorption portion is designed to specifically absorb the vibrations generated during touch operation, transforming the harmful mechanical energy into harmless thermal energy through internal friction and damping materials. This converts the harmful effect (noise) into a beneficial function (vibration damping).
2Reliability
If the resilient metal sheet deforms during touch operation, then electrical connection is achieved, but noise is generated from the deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the function of the actuating member into distinct portions: the actuating portion that maintains electrical connection capability, and the noise reduction member with vibration absorption portion and buffer portion that handle vibration and noise. This segmentation allows the electrical connection function to be preserved while the noise-generating deformation is isolated and absorbed by dedicated vibration-damping structures.
3Ease of operation
If air vibration occurs within the device during touch, then touch operation is enabled, but noise is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The noise reduction member acts as an intermediary that absorbs air vibrations within the device cavity. The vibration absorption portion is positioned to intercept air vibrations caused by touch operation, and the buffer portion provides additional damping. This intermediary structure allows smooth touch operation while preventing air vibrations from converting into audible noise.
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 design effectively reduces noise by absorbing vibrations and air vibrations within the device, enhancing user experience by minimizing noise during touch input operations.
Implementation Method 1
The noise reduction member has a main body which is connected to the resilient metal sheet of the actuating member, which is made of an elastic material, and which is formed with a recess surrounding the actuating portion of the actuating member
Implementation Method 2
The noise reduction member... is made of an elastic material... effectively reduces noise by absorbing vibrations and air vibrations within the device
Data Source
AI summary
A touch input device includes a frame unit, a circuit unit and a touch pad. The circuit unit includes a circuit board, a dome-shaped actuating member including an actuating portion and a resilient metal sheet connected between the actuating portion and the circuit board, and a noise reduction member having a main body connected to the resilient metal sheet, made of an elastic material and formed with a recess surrounding the actuating portion. A touch surface of the touch pad is touchable to push the circuit unit toward the block member, such that the actuating portion contacts the block member to deform the resilient metal sheet to electrically connect the actuating portion with the circuit board.