Method and apparatus for providing user access and protection to touch sensitive device underwater
Inventors
Assignees
Publication Number
US-9573667-B2
Publication Date
2017-02-21
Expiration Date
2035-01-28
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Abstract
An apparatus for protecting and providing user access to a touch sensitive device underwater, comprising a waterproof casing comprising an inner cavity configured to receive the touch sensitive device, the casing comprising: a first area of the casing for providing user access to the touch sensitive device; a transparent first membrane arranged to cover at least part of the first area of the casing, the inner cavity configured to receive the touch sensitive device so that user interface of the touch sensitive device being arranged adjacent to the membrane of the first area; a pressurized non-conductive fluid arranged to the inner cavity to provide a gap between the user interface of the touch sensitive device and the membrane; a pressure control membrane arranged to cover at least part of a second area of the casing; and a pressure control element operationally connected to the pressure control membrane, configured to flexibly bend the pressure control membrane to change pressure of the pressurized non-conductive fluid.
Core Innovation
The invention provides an apparatus and method for protecting and enabling user access to a touch sensitive device underwater by using a waterproof casing filled with a pressurized non-conductive fluid. The casing includes a transparent first membrane adjacent to the user interface of the touch sensitive device, creating a pressurized fluid gap between the device surface and the membrane to prevent errors caused by external pressure and water interference.
The invention addresses the problem of erroneous touch signals generated when operating touch sensitive devices underwater due to the external pressure squeezing the casing against the device surface or caused by the electrical charge of water in capacitive devices. Existing flexible waterproof casings fail to provide accurate touch input under varying pressure conditions, while stiff casings prevent user access to touch elements.
The apparatus includes a pressure control membrane and a pressure control element operatively connected to it, which flexibly bends the membrane to adjust the pressure of the pressurized non-conductive fluid inside the casing. This adjustable pressure maintains a stable gap between the membrane and the touch sensitive surface across different underwater depths and pressures, enabling reliable touch operation while protecting the device.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes two independent claims, with inventive features focused on an apparatus and a method for underwater protection and user access to touch sensitive devices.
Waterproof casing with pressurized non-conductive fluid gap
An apparatus comprising a waterproof casing with an inner cavity receiving the touch sensitive device, having a first area covered by a transparent membrane adjacent to the device's user interface, and a pressurized non-conductive liquid fluid arranged to create a gap between the membrane and the touch sensitive device.
Pressure control membrane and element for adjustable fluid pressure
The apparatus includes a pressure control membrane covering a second area of the casing and a pressure control element operationally connected to this membrane, configured to flexibly bend the membrane to change the pressure of the pressurized non-conductive fluid.
User operable pressure control element with adjustable spring
The pressure control element is user operable via a user controller and comprises an adjustable spring connected between the pressure control membrane and the user controller, enabling pressure adjustment by bending the membrane.
Cover part with second cavity and apertures for external water pressure balancing
A cover part attached to the waterproof casing defines a second cavity between the cover and pressure control membrane, receiving water through apertures; the user controller is attached to this cover and the spring extends through the second cavity.
Pressure control element with rotatable user controller and screw threads
The pressure control element comprises a rotatable user controller with screw threads engaging a protective cover, allowing inward/outward movement by rotation, which changes the spring force and thus fluid pressure inside the casing.
Inlet with threaded cap operating as a piston
An inlet within the casing for adding non-conductive liquid fluid to the inner cavity includes a pressure control element with a cap configured to rotate and move inward/outward, functioning as a moving piston to change the fluid pressure.
Method for assembling the apparatus with pressurized fluid and pressure control
A method comprising receiving the touch sensitive device within an inner cavity of a waterproof casing, arranging the transparent membrane adjacent to the device interface, introducing pressurized non-conductive fluid to create a gap, and connecting a pressure control membrane with an operational pressure control element to adjust the fluid pressure.
The claims collectively cover an apparatus and method incorporating a waterproof casing with a pressurized non-conductive fluid gap between the touch sensitive device and a transparent membrane, along with a pressure control membrane and operable pressure control element enabling adjustment of fluid pressure to maintain device functionality underwater.
Stated Advantages
Minimizes errors caused by external water pressure and buoyancy effects on the touch sensitive device underwater.
Allows operation of touch sensitive devices at varying underwater depths without adding more fluid to the casing.
Maintains a stable operational gap between the transparent membrane and touch sensitive surface independent of external water flow.
Enables use of thinner membranes or insulating layers, enhancing device sensitivity and responsiveness.
Provides user operable adjustment of fluid pressure to adapt to different underwater conditions.
Prevents electric charge disturbance from external water on capacitive touch devices by using non-conductive fluid.
Documented Applications
Enabling accurate and reliable use of touch sensitive devices, including capacitive and resistive touch screens, underwater at various depths.
Use in scuba diving or other underwater exploration scenarios where touch sensitive device operation is needed.
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