3D Sensing Module Flexible Electrode Layers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional touch modules with pressure sensors lack flexible three-axis capabilities and only provide partial Z-axis sensing, failing to offer efficient three-dimensional sensing solutions for industrial and consumer electronics.

Innovation Solution

A three-dimensional sensing module is developed, comprising a touch pressure sensing structure with flexible touch electrode layers and a light-transmitting force-sensitive composite layer, which includes multiple functional spacer and electrode layers with varying resistivities, allowing for simultaneous two-dimensional touch position and three-dimensional pressure sensing without the need for glue in the manufacturing process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional pressure sensors are mounted on touch modules, then pressure sensing function is provided, but the structure cannot have flexible characteristics and cannot be used as a flexible assembly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexible characteristicsVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the touch electrode layers and pressure sensing layers into a single integrated flexible assembly. The first and second flexible touch electrode layers are coated with light-transmitting electrode layers and functional spacer layers to form a unified structure that simultaneously provides touch sensing and pressure sensing functions, eliminating the need for separate mounted pressure sensors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible touch electrode layers serve multiple functions: they act as both touch sensing electrodes and pressure sensing elements. The light-transmitting electrode layers and functional spacer layers are designed to enable both two-dimensional touch position detection and three-dimensional pressure detection within the same flexible structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If conventional pressure sensors are used, then pressure sensing is provided, but only a partial area has the Z-axis sensing function

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensing coverageVSAvoidsensing structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the sensing structure into multiple functional layers: first and second flexible touch electrode layers, light-transmitting electrode layers, and functional spacer layers. This segmentation allows different regions of the assembly to perform different sensing functions, with the entire area capable of Z-axis pressure sensing through the coordinated action of these layered structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of manufacture

If multi-layer gluing is used in manufacturing, then assembly is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and thickness are increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly processVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple layers into a single integrated assembly where the first and second flexible touch electrode layers are coated with light-transmitting electrode layers and functional spacer layers in sequence, forming a unified flexible assembly that eliminates the need for separate gluing processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses thin film structures for all layers, including the flexible touch electrode layers, light-transmitting electrode layers, and functional spacer layers. These thin films are coated in sequence to form a compact, glue-free assembly that reduces overall thickness and manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

The module achieves efficient three-dimensional sensing with reduced manufacturing complexity and thickness, eliminating the need for multi-layer gluing and enabling a thin design while providing accurate touch position and pressure sensing signals.

Implementation Method 1

Resistivities of the first functional spacer layer, the second functional spacer layer, and the third functional spacer layer are greater than resistivities of the first light-transmitting electrode layer and the second light-transmitting electrode layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical Resistivity: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS11520429B2Three-dimensional sensing module and method of manufacturing the same and electronic apparatus

Publication Date: 2022.12.06 TPK ADVANCED SOLUTIONS

AI summary

A three-dimensional sensing module includes a touch pressure sensing structure. The touch pressure sensing structure includes a first functional spacer layer, a first light-transmitting electrode layer coated on the first functional spacer layer, a second functional spacer layer coated on the first light-transmitting electrode layer, a second light-transmitting electrode layer coated on the second functional spacer layer, and a third functional spacer layer coated on the second light-transmitting electrode layer. Resistivities of the first, second, and third functional spacer layers are greater than resistivities of the first and second light-transmitting electrode layers.