Touchpad Elastic Articles for Tactile Feedback and Position Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Information handling systems require a touchpad apparatus that can efficiently provide tactile feedback and signal changes in positional states, which existing systems fail to address effectively.
Innovation Solution
A touchpad apparatus comprising a holder bracket, a pivotable holder body, and elastic articles that change states to engage or disengage a switch member, indicating different positional states, with the elastic articles being formed from rubber, elastic material, or metallic spring material to provide a 'click' functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a touchpad apparatus uses elastic articles to provide tactile feedback, then user interaction experience is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The touchpad apparatus is divided into distinct functional segments: a holder bracket, a holder body, multiple elastic articles, and a touchpad PCB with a switch member. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, providing tactile feedback through the elastic articles while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic articles serve as intermediary elements between the holder body and the touchpad PCB. When the holder body moves between positional states, the elastic articles deform and engage/disengage the switch member, providing tactile feedback without requiring direct mechanical coupling between the moving parts.
2Measurement precision
If the holder body is made pivotable to indicate positional states, then signal detection capability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable holder body automatically transitions between first and second positional states based on touchpad actuation, and the elastic articles automatically engage or disengage the switch member corresponding to each state. This self-service mechanism detects positional states without requiring external sensors or complex control systems, reducing manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining reliable signal detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system detects positional states by monitoring changes in the physical state of the elastic articles (deformed vs. undeformed) and the position of the holder body (first positional state vs. second positional state). These parameter changes trigger the switch member to engage or disengage, providing clear electrical signals that indicate the current state without requiring high-precision measurement systems.
3Reliability
If multiple elastic articles are used to ensure reliable engagement, then reliability is improved, but loss of substance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic feedback mechanism is divided into multiple discrete elastic articles rather than using a single continuous element. This segmentation allows each elastic article to independently engage with the switch member, providing redundant engagement points that enhance reliability while using minimal material for each individual article.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic articles are designed to be reused through repeated engagement and disengagement cycles. The elastic material recovers its original shape after each deformation, allowing the same components to provide reliable engagement over extended periods without material loss or degradation, thus maintaining reliability while minimizing substance consumption.
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 apparatus effectively provides tactile feedback and signals changes in positional states, enhancing user interaction with information handling systems by ensuring reliable engagement and disengagement of the switch member, thus improving user experience.
Implementation Method 1
the plurality of elastic articles are formed from rubber, elastic material, or a combination of both
Data Source
AI summary
A touchpad apparatus including a holder bracket; a holder body; a plurality of elastic articles; and a touchpad printed circuit board (PCB) coupled to the first side of the holder body, the touchpad PCB including a switch member positioned at a first end of the touchpad PCB, wherein, when the holder body is in a first positional state, the plurality of elastic articles are in a first elastic state such that the switch member is disengaged, wherein, when the holder body is in a second positional state, the plurality of elastic articles are in a second elastic state such that the switch member is engaged to provide a signal indicating the second positional state of the holder body.