Touch Panel Button Structure With Tactile Push Detection

Solution Overview

Problem

The arrangement of mechanical switch mechanisms in car navigation devices is restricted by the capacitive touch panel, necessitating the placement of components like tact switches and substrates outside the operation detection area.

Innovation Solution

A button structure for touch panels comprising a conductor-based operating unit, an insulator-based supporting portion, and an elastic member that deforms to detect push operations, eliminating the need for a tact switch and substrate, allowing for flexible arrangement and intuitive operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a mechanical switch mechanism with tact switch and substrate is used, then operational feeling is provided, but arrangement is restricted outside the touch panel operation detection area

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational feelingVSAvoidarrangement flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the mechanical switch mechanism with the capacitive touch panel by integrating the elastic member and operating unit directly onto the touch panel substrate. This combination eliminates the need for separate tact switches and substrates, allowing the mechanical switch to be arranged within the operation detection area of the touch panel while maintaining operational feeling through elastic deformation detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The touch panel substrate serves multiple functions: it acts as both the capacitive touch sensing surface and the mounting substrate for the mechanical switch components. The operating unit functions as both a mechanical push button providing tactile feedback and a capacitive touch target, enabling the system to handle both mechanical and capacitive input modes through a single integrated structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If a mechanical switch mechanism with tact switch and substrate is used, then operational feeling is provided, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational feelingVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the mechanical switch mechanism with the capacitive touch panel by integrating the elastic member and operating unit directly onto the touch panel substrate. This combination eliminates the need for separate tact switches and substrates, allowing the mechanical switch to be arranged within the operation detection area of the touch panel while maintaining operational feeling through elastic deformation detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The touch panel substrate serves multiple functions: it acts as both the capacitive touch sensing surface and the mounting substrate for the mechanical switch components. The operating unit functions as both a mechanical push button providing tactile feedback and a capacitive touch target, enabling the system to handle both mechanical and capacitive input modes through a single integrated structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If the button is made conductive for touch detection, then capacitive detection works, but operational feeling may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetouch detection accuracyVSAvoidoperational feeling

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by making only specific portions of the operating unit conductive rather than the entire structure. The conductive properties are localized to areas that contact the elastic member, enabling capacitive detection while non-conductive materials are used in other areas to maintain mechanical flexibility and tactile feedback characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The operating unit is constructed as a composite structure combining conductive and non-conductive materials. This allows different regions of the same component to have different electrical properties, enabling both capacitive touch detection and mechanical operational feeling to coexist effectively within a single integrated element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 solution enables buttons for touch panels that are not restricted by the touch panel, reducing costs and providing an intuitive operational feel without the need for additional components, while allowing for flexible placement within the operation detection area.

Implementation Method 1

when the first operating unit is pushed down, the elastic member is elastically deformed and the pushing operation of the first operating unit is detected by the touch panel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11159161B2Button structure for touch panel, button for touch panel, and electronic device

Publication Date: 2021.10.26 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC MOBILITY CORP

AI summary

A button for a touch panel that includes a first operating unit made of a conductor and to be operated by being pushed down; a supporting portion made of an insulator and to be fixed on a capacitive touch panel, the supporting portion supporting the first operating unit; and an elastic member accommodated inside the supporting portion, a surface of the elastic member being nonconductive, the surface being fixed to the touch panel, the elastic member is elastically, deformed when the first operating unit is pushed down, in which the pushing operation of the first operating unit is detected by the touch panel.