FORCE-BASED INPUT DEVICE HAVING A MODULAR SENSING COMPONENT

摘要

A force-based input device responsive to an applied force to determine a location and/or magnitude of the applied force. The input device comprises a fixed frame and a base support, having an input member configured to receive the applied force and to displace relative to said fixed frame in response to the applied force. The input device is modular in the sense that it comprises a separate module or structure that relates the fixed frame and base support components to one another, as well as constraining these in all directions. The constraining module further comprises a sensing component (such as an isolated beam structure) defined therein by one or more configurations formed in the constraining module. One or more sensors are provided that are operable with the sensing component of the constraining module, which sensors are located in a region of high stress strategically provided by the various configurations of the module.