Capacitance Module Coil Structure for Pressure Sensing and Haptics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for measuring pressure inputs and providing haptic responses on touch surfaces, such as touch pads, face limitations in accurately detecting pressure and delivering effective haptic feedback, particularly in integrating inductive coil technology with capacitance sensing for enhanced user interaction.
Innovation Solution
A capacitance module incorporating an inductance coil with multiple portions connected across substrate layers, interacting with a magnet to detect pressure inputs and provide haptic responses, utilizing a controller and memory to manage electrical signals and oscillating enhancement mechanisms for improved sensitivity and feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an inductance coil is deposited on multiple substrate layers to improve pressure detection accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inductance coil is segmented into multiple portions deposited on different substrate layers. Each portion contributes to the overall inductance and pressure sensing capability, allowing the system to achieve higher measurement precision through distributed sensing elements while managing complexity through modular construction
Solution Approach 2:
The coil structure transitions from a two-dimensional planar deposition to a three-dimensional multi-layer configuration. By depositing coil portions on multiple substrate layers stacked in the vertical dimension, the system enhances pressure detection accuracy through increased spatial resolution and magnetic field interaction volume
2Force
If the inductance coil is positioned closer to the magnet to enhance interaction strength, then force is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coil is divided into multiple portions on different layers, with each portion strategically positioned to interact with the magnet. This segmentation allows optimization of the magnetic interaction force from each layer while distributing the alignment tolerance requirements across multiple connection points rather than requiring perfect alignment of a single continuous coil
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the coil on different substrate layers can have locally optimized properties such as varying wire densities, loop configurations, or material compositions tailored to maximize magnetic interaction at specific locations, thereby enhancing overall force while accommodating manufacturing variations
3Measurement precision
If multiple portions of the inductance coil are connected across substrate layers to improve sensitivity, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Conductive vias or interlayer connectors serve as intermediaries to electrically connect the coil portions deposited on different substrate layers. These intermediary elements enable the multi-layer coil structure to function as a unified inductive sensor, improving pressure sensing sensitivity through enhanced magnetic field detection while managing the complexity of inter-layer electrical connections
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
This solution enables precise detection of pressure inputs and effective haptic feedback, enhancing user interaction by leveraging the interaction between inductance coils and magnets within the capacitance module, thereby improving the overall touch surface experience.
Implementation Method 1
an inductor coupled to the substrate below the touch sensor surface and configured to magnetically couple to the magnetic element
Implementation Method 2
The magnet may be configured to provide a haptic effect on the capacitance module by moving the inductance coil with a change in the magnetic force
Data Source
AI summary
A capacitance module may include at least one touch electrode on a first surface of the capacitance module; a first portion of an inductance coil deposited on a second surface of the capacitance module; and a second portion of the inductance coil deposited on a third surface of the capacitance module where the first portion of the inductance coil and the second portion of the inductance coil may be electrically connected and where the inductance coil may be positioned to interact with a magnet adjacent to the inductance coil.