Touchpad Module Full-Plane Pressing via Segmented Elastic Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional touchpad modules can only be partially pressed down, limiting their functionality as they are unable to trigger a switch when any point of the whole plane is pressed, due to their structural design.
Innovation Solution
The touchpad module incorporates a substrate with first openings, an elastic element, and protrusion structures that allow any point of the touch member to be pressed down, triggering the switch by moving the elastic element and switch into contact with the substrate, enabling full-plane pressing functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the touchpad module uses a conventional structure with iron elements or plastic structures for connection, then the structure is simple to manufacture, but only specific positions can be pressed down and the whole surface cannot be pressed
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate is divided into multiple independent pressing regions through first openings, allowing different areas to be pressed independently. The elastic element is segmented into multiple second openings that correspond to the first openings, enabling localized deformation at each pressing point while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic element is designed with specific local properties through the second openings positioned beneath the first openings. This allows the material to have different mechanical characteristics at different locations - flexible at the opening positions for pressing, and rigid in other areas for structural support.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the touchpad module allows only local pressing, then the structure remains simple, but the functionality is limited and cannot detect presses at any point on the surface
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing surface is segmented into multiple independent zones through the first openings in the substrate and corresponding second openings in the elastic element. Each segment can be pressed independently to trigger the switch, ensuring reliable detection regardless of where the user presses on the touchpad surface.
3Ease of operation
If the touchpad module uses a rigid connection structure, then the positioning is stable, but the touch member cannot be pressed down effectively to trigger the switch
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic element incorporates second openings at specific locations beneath the first openings, creating localized flexible zones that allow pressing while maintaining rigid structural support in other areas. This enables the touch member to be pressed down effectively at any position while the overall structure remains stable.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic element provides dynamic response to pressing forces through its deformable structure with second openings. When pressed, the element deforms locally to allow switch triggering, then returns to its original position, providing both pressability and structural stability through controlled elastic deformation.
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 design allows the touchpad module to trigger a switch when any point of the whole plane is pressed down, overcoming the limitations of partial pressing in conventional modules and enhancing user interaction with computing devices.
Implementation Method 1
When any point of the touch member is pressed down, the corresponding protrusion structure is moved downwardly to press down a portion of the movable part of the elastic element
Data Source
AI summary
A touchpad module includes a substrate, a touch member, a switch, an elastic element and at least four protrusion structures. The substrate includes at least four first openings. A bottom surface of the touch member faces a top surface of the substrate. The switch is coupled with the bottom surface of the touch member. When any point of the touch member is pressed down, the switch is in contact with the substrate. The elastic element includes a fixed part and a movable part. The fixed part is coupled with a portion of a bottom surface of the substrate. The movable part is arranged around the fixed part. The movable part is located beneath the at least four first openings. The at least four protrusion structures are coupled with the touch member and inserted into the corresponding first openings.