Appliance having touch sensor assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerators with metallic front panels face challenges in integrating touch sensors due to static electricity leakage and the difficulty in applying buttons that require constant pressure, making it hard to achieve reliable touch sensing on metallic surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A touch sensor assembly is designed for metallic panels, featuring a touch board with a piezo disc and holder configuration that allows for elastic movement and secure attachment, enabling reliable touch input detection even on metallic surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a metallic front panel is used for aesthetic appeal, then aesthetic value is improved, but static electricity leakage occurs making touch sensor application difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A non-conductive adhesive layer is introduced between the metallic front panel and the touch sensor assembly to prevent static electricity leakage while maintaining the aesthetic appearance of the metallic panel. This intermediary layer acts as an electrical insulator, allowing the touch sensor to function reliably on the metallic surface without suffering from static discharge issues.
2Shape
If a hidden button structure is implemented, then aesthetic appeal is improved, but the complexity of the device structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The touch sensor assembly is integrated directly into the metallic front panel by attaching it to the rear surface of the panel. This merging approach combines the aesthetic metallic exterior with the functional touch sensing capability in a single unified structure, eliminating the need for separate hidden button mechanisms while maintaining the hidden button aesthetic effect.
3Reliability
If a piezo disc with holder configuration is used, then sensing reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The piezo disc is pre-mounted into the holder assembly before being attached to the front panel. This preliminary assembly allows for quality control and positioning to be established beforehand, ensuring reliable sensing performance. The pre-assembled unit is then treated as a single component for final installation, which simplifies the overall manufacturing process despite the internal complexity of the piezo disc holder configuration.
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 solution provides a high-sensitivity and durable touch sensor assembly that can be easily manufactured and securely attached to metallic panels, enhancing sensing reliability and aesthetic appeal by hiding the display and button unit when not in use.
Implementation Method 1
a piezo disc having a first electrode and a second electrode, the piezo disc configured to be inserted in the receiving portion of the holder and contact the pressing portion
Data Source
AI summary
An appliance that includes: a front panel having a touch point; a touch board including: a first side attached to a location on a rear surface of the front panel, the location corresponding to the touch point; a second side opposite to the first side; a pressing portion; and one or more holes defined around the pressing portion and configured to enable an elastic movement of the pressing portion; a holder that is attached to the second side of the touch board, the holder having a receiving portion; a piezo disc configured to be inserted in the receiving portion of the holder and contact the pressing portion; a guide board having a seating hole configured to receive the holder and the piezo disc; and a first adhesive member attached to the first side of the touch board and configured to attach to the rear surface of the front panel.