Anisotropic Dielectric Touch Panel for 3D Force Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Capacitive type touch panels cannot measure touch input force effectively due to the need for a thick insulating layer, which increases panel thickness and hinders accurate force measurement, especially when the layer is compressed and restored.
Innovation Solution
A touch panel using a dielectric layer with anisotropic dielectric material, such as liquid crystal, that changes relative permittivity based on arrangement direction, allowing for accurate force measurement without increasing thickness, by sensing changes in capacitance between electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a thick insulating layer is used in capacitive type pressure sensor, then pressure sensing capability is improved, but panel thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the dielectric layer from a thick insulating layer to a thin layer with anisotropic dielectric material. The anisotropic material's dielectric constant changes in response to pressure, allowing accurate pressure measurement without requiring large thickness. This parameter change enables the system to achieve both thin panel thickness and effective pressure sensing capability.
2Measurement precision
If insulating layer is compressed and restored, then pressure measurement is enabled, but restoration time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anisotropic dielectric material's dielectric constant changes rapidly in response to pressure application and restores quickly after pressure removal. This rapid parameter change enables fast response and restoration times while maintaining accurate pressure measurement capability throughout the compression and restoration cycles.
3Measurement precision
If capacitive type pressure sensor is used, then touch input force can be measured, but 2D touch sensing is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single touch panel structure. The anisotropic dielectric layer simultaneously enables 2D touch coordinate sensing through capacitance changes and 3D touch force measurement through its pressure-responsive dielectric constant changes. This multi-functionality allows the panel to detect both the position and force of touch inputs without requiring separate sensing systems.
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
Enables accurate detection of touch input force and coordinates, allowing for 3D touch sensing without thickness increase, improving sensitivity and reducing restoration time for the touch panel.
Implementation Method 1
a dielectric layer with anisotropic dielectric material, such as liquid crystal, that changes relative permittivity based on arrangement direction
Implementation Method 2
The dielectric layer includes an anisotropic dielectric material having different relative permittivities according to an arrangement direction
Implementation Method 3
by sensing changes in capacitance between electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a touch panel. The touch panel includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a first electrode, a second electrode, a third electrode, and a dielectric layer. The second substrate faces the first substrate. The first electrode is on one surface of the first substrate. The second electrode is spaced apart from the first electrode on a same plane as the first electrode. The third electrode is on one surface of the second substrate and overlaps the first electrode and the second electrode. The dielectric layer is between the first electrode and the third electrode and between the second electrode and the third electrode and includes an anisotropic dielectric material.