Wearable Input Device with Segmented Plate Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic devices, such as smartphones, require optimal portability to be readily available and not obstruct user movements, but existing input devices do not provide sufficient hands-free and flexible input operation solutions.
Innovation Solution
A user-wearable input device comprising an input section with a detection surface, a control section, a power supply section, and a support section that allows hands-free operation by being worn on the arm, featuring a plurality of concatenated plate units, a hinge section, and a communication section for transmitting operation signals to external devices, with a notification system for user feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an input device is made portable and wearable on the user's arm, then the device achieves optimal portability and hands-free operation, but the device structure becomes more complex requiring multiple concatenated plate units and hinge sections
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable input device is divided into multiple concatenated plate units (first plate unit, second plate unit, third plate unit) that can be assembled together to form a complete device. Each plate unit contains specific functional components (input section, control section, power supply section, notification section), allowing the device to be segmented for easier manufacturing, assembly, and adaptation to different user needs while maintaining hands-free operation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The plate units are designed to be concatenated together through hinge sections, creating a nested or linked structure where multiple functional modules are integrated into a compact wearable form. This nesting approach allows the complex device to be folded or collapsed into a smaller configuration for portability while expanding to provide full functionality when worn
2Volume of moving object
If the input device is made compact for portability, then the device can be worn on the user's arm, but the input section and other functional components occupy limited space
Solution Approach 1:
Different plate units are assigned specific functional qualities based on their local requirements. The first plate unit contains the input section with detection surface, the second plate unit contains the control and notification sections, and the third plate unit contains the power supply section. This local quality assignment optimizes space utilization by placing each component in the most appropriate location while maintaining overall device compactness
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement by concatenating plate units in a folded or layered configuration rather than a linear arrangement. This dimensional approach allows multiple functional components to be packed into a compact volume by utilizing vertical and lateral spaces efficiently, enabling the device to be worn on the arm without sacrificing functional versatility
3Ease of operation
If the support section is made flexible to fit the user's arm comfortably, then the device achieves comfortable fitting, but the structural stability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge sections connecting the plate units are designed to provide dynamic adjustment capability, allowing the device to adapt its shape and rigidity based on the user's arm position and movement. The hinge mechanism enables the device to be flexible during arm movement while maintaining structural integrity when stationary, resolving the contradiction between comfort and stability
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
Enables optimal portability and flexible input operations by allowing users to interact with electronic devices without physically touching them, providing comfortable fitting and various input methods through a wearable device that can be used when necessary.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor substrate has a plurality of capacitative elements that are placed facing to the detection surface and are arranged in a matrix
Data Source
AI summary
To provide an input device having optimal portability and electronic apparatus including the same. The input device includes an input section, a control section, a power supply section, and a support section. The input section has a detection surface, and outputs a detection signal corresponding to a pressing position and a pressing amount on a detection surface. The control section determines the pressing position and the pressing amount based on the detection signal. The power supply section supplies electricity to the input section and the control section. The support section is user wearable, and supports the input section, the control section, and the power supply section.