Touch Panel Display Unit for Measuring Instruments

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electronic measuring instruments face challenges with limited functionality due to restricted space, complex operation sequences for mechanical switches, and difficulties in maintaining liquid-tight properties, which hinder usability and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a touch panel display unit that allows for intuitive input operations and displays various measurement modes, eliminating the need for mechanical push buttons, thereby enhancing operability and viewability while maintaining a compact design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If mechanical push-button switches are provided on the surface, then user input operations can be performed, but the overall thickness increases and liquid-tight property deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical push-button switches with a touch panel display unit that detects touch inputs through electrical or capacitive sensing. This substitution eliminates the need for physical buttons and holes in the housing, thereby maintaining liquid-tight properties while enabling user input operations through a graphical interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The touch panel display unit utilizes a flexible or thin-film structure that can be integrated into the housing surface without requiring thick mechanical components or penetrating holes. This allows the housing to maintain its sealed structure for liquid-tight protection while providing a responsive touch interface for user operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Ease of operation

If mechanical push-button switches are provided, then user input operations can be performed, but the number of functions is restricted due to limited space

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The touch panel display unit serves multiple functions: it displays measurement results, presents measurement mode selections, provides operational instructions, and accepts various user inputs. This single multi-functional component replaces what would traditionally require multiple dedicated buttons, switches, and displays, thereby enabling numerous functions within limited space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The touch panel interface transitions from a one-dimensional linear arrangement of physical buttons to a two-dimensional graphical interface. This dimensional expansion allows many more functions and controls to be packed into the same physical space, enabling complex measurement modes and operations without increasing the instrument's footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If space for mounting switches is secured on the surface, then user input operations can be performed, but the space for disposing the display unit becomes smaller

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the display unit and the input interface into a single integrated touch panel display unit. This combination eliminates the need for separate button mounting spaces adjacent to the display, as the display itself becomes the input interface. Users interact with the display by touching it directly, thereby maximizing the display area while maintaining full input functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If various functions are selected by using a small number of mechanical switches, then the number of functions can be increased, but complicated operation sequences are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The touch panel interface provides self-explanatory graphical icons and on-screen instructions that guide users through operations without requiring memorization of complex button sequences. The interface adapts to user needs by displaying relevant options and measurement modes directly, eliminating the need for users to recall specific button combinations or operation durations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Replacing mechanical switches with a touch panel eliminates the need for complex button-pressing sequences. The graphical interface allows users to select functions by simply touching the desired option on the screen, transforming complicated multi-step mechanical operations into simple single-touch selections, thereby maintaining versatility while dramatically improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP2636986B1Measuring instrument with touch screen

Publication Date: 2020.04.29

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AI summary

To provide a measuring instrument having improved usability and viewability. A measuring instrument includes a touch panel display unit that receives an external input performed by physical contact and has a display function. In the touch panel display unit, a plurality of operation icons that are used to perform a complicated input operation as well as a measurement result are displayed. It is possible to provide a measuring instrument that is superior in terms of the usability and viewability. For example, a measurement mode can be selected by selecting and touching one of the plurality of operation icons displayed in the touch panel display unit.