Touch Pad Structure with Adjustable Actuating Fulcrum
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing touch pad designs in notebook computers have a limited operable range due to the force exertion point being too close to the fulcrum end, making it difficult for users to execute actions like cursor movement, selection, scrolling, and zooming, as the free end fails to swing downward and trigger the switch effectively.
Innovation Solution
A touch pad structure with a casing, actuating component, switch, and supporting plate, where the actuating component is swingingly disposed and supported by the supporting plate, allowing adjustment of the operating range and required downward pressure by changing the abutting portion of the actuating component against the supporting plate, enabling flexible operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the force exertion point on the touch pad is too close to the fulcrum end, then the structure remains simple, but it becomes difficult to drive the free end to swing downward and trigger the switch
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating component is divided into multiple segments: a fulcrum portion connected to the touch pad, a first contacting portion that contacts the switch, and a second contacting portion that contacts the supporting plate. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function independently, resolving the contradiction by enabling effective switch actuation while maintaining structural clarity.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating component serves as an intermediary element between the touch pad and the switch. It transfers and amplifies the force from the user's finger on the touch pad to the switch, enabling effective operation even when the force exertion point is close to the fulcrum end, thus expanding the operable range without excessive complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the supporting plate is positioned to increase operating range, then user convenience improves, but the required downward pressure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows dynamic adjustment of the supporting plate's position along the actuating component. Users can adjust the position to achieve the desired balance between operating range and required pressure, making the system adaptable to different usage preferences and scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the position parameter of the supporting plate, the mechanical advantage of the lever system is adjusted. Moving the supporting plate changes the moment arm lengths, thereby altering the relationship between applied force and resulting switch actuation, enabling optimization of both operating range and required pressure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the supporting plate is made detachable for adjustment, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting plate is designed as a detachable, independent component that can be separately adjusted and positioned. This segmentation enables easy repositioning and adaptation without requiring disassembly of the entire device, achieving high adaptability with minimal increase in overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting plate is pre-designed with positioning features and attachment mechanisms that simplify the adjustment process. Users can quickly reposition the plate without complex tools or procedures, making the adaptability feature user-friendly despite the additional component.
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 enhances operating convenience and flexibility by adjusting the operating range and required pressure, allowing users to perform various actions with greater ease and precision.
Implementation Method 1
Based on the principle of the lever, it can be known that if the force exertion point on the touch pad is too close to the fulcrum end, it is not easy to drive the free end to swing downward relative to the fulcrum end
Data Source
AI summary
A touch pad structure, including a casing having an opening, a touch pad disposed in the opening, an actuating component swingingly disposed in the casing, a switch, and a supporting plate detachably disposed in the casing, is provided. The touch pad has a fulcrum end connected to the casing and a free end opposite thereto. The actuating component is disposed corresponding to the free end and has a fulcrum portion, a first contacting portion, and a second contacting portion. The first contacting portion is located between the fulcrum portion contacting the touch pad and the second contacting portion. The switch is disposed at the free end and located between the touch pad and the first contacting portion. The supporting plate is disposed corresponding to the free end. The actuating component is located between the supporting plate and the switch. The first or second contacting portion abuts against the supporting plate.