Touchpad Module Simplified Structure for Pressure Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional touchpads with pressure sensing functions are complex and costly to manufacture, with insufficient structural strength and unsatisfactory tactile feedback due to large travel distances and the need for multiple cantilever structures.
Innovation Solution
A simplified touchpad module design featuring a touch member with a covering plate and circuit board, where the touch member is supported by a fixing frame's supporting part, allowing for downward bending and deformation to sense pressing force without additional cantilever structures, reducing fabrication costs and enhancing structural strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional touchpads use metal base plates with cantilever structures and pressure sensors, then pressure sensing function is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the metal base plate and cantilever structures from the touchpad assembly, retaining only the essential pressure sensing functionality through alternative means that reduce structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple functions into the remaining structural elements, making the simplified structure serve both structural support and pressure sensing purposes, thereby reducing the need for separate cantilever components
2Reliability
If conventional touchpads use multiple cantilever structures formed by stamping process, then pressure sensing capability is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the expensive stamping process and multiple cantilever structures, replacing them with a simpler configuration that reduces manufacturing steps and material costs while preserving pressure sensing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simpler, more cost-effective materials and structures that can be manufactured through less expensive processes, sacrificing the durability of metal cantilevers for overall cost reduction
3Reliability
If conventional touchpads have large travel distance for pressing, then pressure sensing range is increased, but tactile feel deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the physical parameters of the pressing mechanism, specifically adjusting the travel distance to an optimal value that maintains adequate pressure sensing range while providing satisfactory tactile feedback to the user
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 design reduces manufacturing costs, increases structural strength, and improves tactile feedback by controlling the deformation amount of the touch member, resulting in a longer use life and enhanced user experience.
Implementation Method 1
the touch member is bent downwardly by using a junction between the edge part of the covering plate and the supporting part of the fixing frame as a fulcrum
Implementation Method 2
the touch member has a deformation amount
Implementation Method 3
According to the deformation amount of the touch member, a magnitude of the pressing force exerted on the touch member is sensed by the at least one pressure sensing unit
Data Source
AI summary
A touchpad module for a computing device is provided. A fixing frame is concavely formed in a casing of the computing device. The fixing frame includes a supporting part. The touchpad module is installed within the fixing frame. The touchpad module includes a touch member and a pressure sensing element. The touch member includes a covering plate and a circuit board. An edge part of covering plate is supported on the supporting part. The pressure sensing element is installed on the touch member and electrically connected with the circuit board. While the touch member is pressed, the touch member is bent downwardly. Consequently, the touch member has a deformation amount. According to the deformation amount, a magnitude of a pressing force exerted on the touch member is sensed, and a pressure sensing signal is generated.