Capacitance Module Press Sensing for Initial and Hold Force Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for measuring press inputs on capacitance modules lack efficient methods to differentiate between initial and maintenance pressure forces, leading to inadequate haptic feedback responses.
Innovation Solution
A capacitance module integrated with a pressure sensor and a controller, which determines initial pressure measurements based on pressure inputs and maintenance pressure forces based on capacitance measurements, enabling precise haptic action execution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If only capacitance measurement is used to detect press input, then the measurement coverage is simple, but the ability to differentiate between initial and maintenance pressure forces is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the press input detection into two distinct phases: initial press detection using pressure sensor and maintenance press detection using capacitance sensor. This segmentation allows each sensor to optimize for its specific detection phase, improving overall measurement precision without requiring a single complex sensor system to handle all detection scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure sensor performs preliminary action by detecting the initial press input before the capacitance sensor takes over for maintenance detection. This preliminary detection establishes the baseline press event, enabling the system to differentiate between initial and maintenance phases of pressure application
2Measurement precision
If pressure sensor is used for initial press detection, then the initial pressure measurement accuracy is improved, but the system requires multiple sensor types increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges pressure sensor and capacitance sensor into a single integrated sensor system that detects press inputs. This combination allows the system to leverage the strengths of both sensor types (pressure sensitivity and capacitance stability) while managing them through a unified control unit, reducing the complexity that would arise from completely separate detection systems
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated sensor system performs multiple functions: the pressure sensor detects initial press events, the capacitance sensor monitors maintenance presses, and both work together to provide comprehensive press input detection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized systems for different detection phases
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 system provides accurate differentiation of press input phases, enabling effective haptic feedback responses such as down-click and up-click actions, thereby enhancing user interaction with electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
determine an initial pressure measurement of a press input based on a pressure input from the pressure sensor
Implementation Method 2
determine a maintenance pressure force during the press input based on a capacitance measurement
Data Source
AI summary
A capacitance module may include a substrate; a plurality of capacitance electrodes on the substrate; a pressure sensor incorporated into the capacitance module and in communication with a controller; the plurality of capacitance electrodes being in communication with the controller; memory in communication with the controller having programmed instructions that, when executed, cause the controller to determine an initial pressure measurement of a press input based on a pressure input from the pressure sensor; and determine a maintenance pressure force during the press input based on a capacitance measurement.