Hybrid Input Switch with Wake-Triggered Contactless Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Contemporary input devices face issues with contact-based switches experiencing wear-and-tear, leading to unreliable performance and high signal-to-noise ratios, while contactless switches consume excessive power even when idle.

Innovation Solution

A hybrid switch design combining a contact-based switch for low power mode and a contactless switch for active mode, where the contact-based switch wakes the device with negligible power consumption and the contactless switch provides reliable detection with reduced power usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a contact-based switch is used, then power consumption is low, but reliability deteriorates due to wear-and-tear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidswitch reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the switch system into two independent components: a contact-based switch for low-power operation and a contactless switch for reliable detection. Each switch type handles specific functions, allowing the system to segment the workload between them based on their respective strengths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the hybrid switch system by introducing multiple power modes (low-power mode and active mode) and adjusting which switch type is active based on the operational state. This allows optimization of both power consumption and reliability across different usage scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a contactless switch is used, then reliability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitch reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic operation of the contactless switch, transitioning it between inactive and active states based on system needs. The contactless switch is kept inactive during low-power modes and activated only when reliable detection is required, making the power consumption dynamic rather than static.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The contactless switch operates periodically rather than continuously, being activated in active mode only when needed for reliable detection and returning to inactive state otherwise. This periodic activation pattern reduces overall power consumption while maintaining reliability when required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Use of energy by moving object

If a contact-based switch is used, then power efficiency is improved, but signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower efficiencyVSAvoidsignal-to-noise ratio

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The contactless switch acts as an intermediary for signal detection, providing clean, wear-free detection signals. By using the contactless switch for actual click detection while the contact-based switch handles only wake-up functionality, the system achieves both power efficiency and high signal-to-noise ratio.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If a hybrid switch design is used, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitch reliabilityVSAvoidswitch architecture complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements multi-functionality within the hybrid switch architecture, where the contactless switch serves multiple purposes: providing reliable click detection, enabling active mode operation, and contributing to overall system reliability. This universal approach reduces the need for additional specialized components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 hybrid switch approach enhances power efficiency, reliability, and performance by leveraging the low power characteristics of contact-based switches and the reliability of contactless switches, while minimizing their respective drawbacks.