Input detecting apparatus, and associated method, for electronic device

摘要

An apparatus, and an associated method, forms a user interface permitting input of input instructions to an electronic device. Input commands are evidence by tactile input forces applied to a force receiving surface. Force sensing elements are positioned to sense indications of the tactile input force. The force sensing element is caused to exhibit a selected input parameter value through application of a selected force thereto by application of a tightening torque to a fastener positioned in proximity to the force sensing element.

主权项

1. An apparatus comprising:
a first force sensing element for producing a first electrical characteristic in response to a first applied force; a second force sensing element for producing a second electrical characteristic in response to a second applied force; a first fastener for producing a first clamping force for mechanically coupling the first force sensing element to a housing and for calibrating the first electrical characteristic to a first initial parameter, the first clamping force being a component of the first applied force and the first electrical characteristic including the first initial parameter responsive to the first clamping force; a second fastener for producing a second clamping force for mechanically coupling the second force sensing element to the housing and for calibrating the second electrical characteristic to a second initial parameter, the second clamping force being a component of the second applied force and the second electrical characteristic including the second initial parameter responsive to the second clamping force; and a force receiving surface coupled to the first force sensing element and the second force sensing element and configured to receive a variable tactile force and impart portions of the variable tactile force to the first and second force sensing elements as additional components of the first and second applied forces.