Touch-Type Variable Resistor with Flexible Membrane and Central Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional variable resistors occupy significant space, have limited operational sensitivity, and can only produce a single output signal, requiring multiple units for multiple outputs.
Innovation Solution
A touch-type variable resistor structure featuring a resistor-base plate with two resistance layers and a conductive base plate, where a separator member with a central opening allows the electricity-conductive layer to couple with both resistance layers upon depression, enabling dual touch-mode operations and producing two sets of output signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a conventional resistance-adjusting assembly with sliding structure is used, then the variable resistor can provide resistance adjustment function, but it occupies substantial space and has limited operational sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical sliding structure with a touch-sensitive membrane structure. The variable resistor uses a flexible membrane with conductive traces that responds to touch pressure, eliminating the need for mechanical sliders, springs, and moving parts. This substitution dramatically reduces the space required while enhancing operational sensitivity through precise touch detection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible membrane as the core component, which contains conductive traces and pressure-sensitive elements. This thin-film structure allows the device to be compact while maintaining high sensitivity to touch input. The membrane's flexibility enables it to deform under pressure, creating variable resistance without requiring mechanical moving parts.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple conventional variable resistors are used to provide multiple output signals, then the required output signals can be achieved, but the space occupation increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a single variable resistor unit with the capability to generate multiple output signals simultaneously. The flexible membrane contains multiple conductive traces arranged in different patterns, allowing one device to function as multiple variable resistors. This multi-functional design enables the system to provide several output signals from a single compact unit, eliminating the need for multiple separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple resistance adjustment functions into a single integrated structure. The flexible membrane integrates multiple conductive trace patterns that can operate independently or in combination, merging the functionality of multiple variable resistors into one device. This consolidation reduces space occupation while maintaining the versatility to provide multiple output signals.
3Device complexity
If the handle is restrained to move only in a specific slot direction, then the structure is simplified, but the contact point varies slightly causing induced resistance value to be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical handle and slot restraint system with a touch-sensitive membrane system. Instead of constraining mechanical movement in a slot, the system uses a flexible membrane with predetermined conductive trace patterns that respond to touch pressure. This eliminates the variability in contact points associated with mechanical sliders while maintaining structural simplicity through the integrated membrane design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-configures the conductive trace patterns on the flexible membrane during manufacturing. The resistance characteristics are predetermined through the trace geometry and material properties, eliminating the need for real-time mechanical adjustment. This preliminary configuration ensures consistent and precise resistance values without requiring complex restraint mechanisms.
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 structure reduces space occupation, enhances operational sensitivity, and allows for dual touch-mode operations, generating two voltage differences with a single-point depression or two different current paths with dual touch, effectively producing multiple output signals.
Implementation Method 1
one of the main plate body and the main conductive plate body is a flexible-touch base plate for enabling part of the electricity-conductive layer to protrude through the central opening while in meeting a depression
Data Source
AI summary
A touch-type variable resistor structure includes a resistor-base plate, a conductive base plate and a separator member. The resistor-base plate further includes a main plate body and a resistance layer. The resistance layer extended along an extension direction is located on the main plate body. The conductive base plate located on the resistor-base plate includes an electricity-conductive layer facing the resistor-base plate. The separator member located between the resistor-base plate and the conductive base plate further has a central opening. One of the main plate body and the main conductive plate body is formed as a flexible-touch base plate. While the flexible-touch base plate is depressed, part of the electricity-conductive layer would pass through the central opening to electrically couple the resistance layer.