Wearable Pressure Sensor Detecting User Input and Altitude

Solution Overview

Problem

Wearable devices face constraints in size due to the need for mechanical components for user input, which limits their functionality and increases costs, as traditional methods like electromechanical or capacitive buttons are costly and prone to false detections.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a pressure sensor, such as a barometer or altimeter, that performs dual functions by detecting atmospheric pressure changes to differentiate between user input events and altitude or weather changes, allowing for the elimination of discrete components and their associated costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional electromechanical or capacitive buttons are used for user input, then user input functionality is provided, but device size increases and production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser input functionalityVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the user input detection function with the existing pressure sensor used for altitude and weather monitoring. The same pressure sensor detects both atmospheric pressure changes (for altitude/weather) and pressure changes caused by user pressing the button, eliminating the need for separate mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pressure sensor serves multiple functions: it monitors atmospheric pressure for altitude and weather information, and simultaneously detects user input events by sensing pressure changes when the button is pressed. This multi-functionality reduces component count and device volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If traditional electromechanical or capacitive buttons are used for user input, then user input functionality is provided, but production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser input functionalityVSAvoidproduction costs

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the user input detection function with the existing pressure sensor used for altitude and weather monitoring. The same pressure sensor detects both atmospheric pressure changes (for altitude/weather) and pressure changes caused by user pressing the button, eliminating the need for separate mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pressure sensor serves multiple functions: it monitors atmospheric pressure for altitude and weather information, and simultaneously detects user input events by sensing pressure changes when the button is pressed. This multi-functionality reduces component count and device volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If more mechanical components are included for user input, then user input functionality is provided, but device functionality is limited due to space constraints

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser input functionalityVSAvoiddevice functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the user input detection function with the existing pressure sensor used for altitude and weather monitoring. The same pressure sensor detects both atmospheric pressure changes (for altitude/weather) and pressure changes caused by user pressing the button, eliminating the need for separate mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pressure sensor serves multiple functions: it monitors atmospheric pressure for altitude and weather information, and simultaneously detects user input events by sensing pressure changes when the button is pressed. This multi-functionality reduces component count and device volume.

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

This approach reduces the number of mechanical components, freeing up space for other sensors or battery capacity, while accurately determining user input events without the need for physical buttons, thus enhancing the device's functionality and reducing production costs.

Implementation Method 1

Incorporating a pressure sensor, such as a barometer or altimeter, that performs dual functions by detecting atmospheric pressure changes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAtmospheric pressure detection: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS11556185B1System to detect user input using a pressure sensor

Publication Date: 2023.01.17 AMAZON TECH INC

AI summary

A system uses a barometer to determine both a user interface event and a change in elevation. Portable devices are often limited by space to provide a user with features that make a product useful. The system uses the barometer to measure air pressure within a cavity of a housing of a wearable device. The cavity is enclosed by a cover that appears as a physical button. The cover is attached to the housing by a flexible seal that allows the cover to move in response to changes in air pressure or physical touch. If movement of the cover causes a change in air pressure in the cavity beyond a threshold, the change is interpreted to be a user input event. Otherwise, the change in air pressure is determined to be a change in altitude. Using a barometer to determine user input allows for a compact wearable device.