Electrostatic capacitance sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrostatic capacitance sensors require adjustments in sensor electrode area and capacitance settings for each type of equipment, leading to increased cost and complexity due to dependencies on detection range, sensitivity, and parasitic capacitance.
Innovation Solution
An electrostatic capacitance sensor design with a conductor larger than the sensor electrode, allowing detection through combined capacitance changes, eliminating the need for adjustments based on equipment type.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the area of the sensor electrode is increased to expand detection range and improve sensitivity, then the detection range and sensitivity are improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a conductor as an intermediary element between the sensor electrode and the detectable object. This conductor has a larger area than the sensor electrode and serves as a mediator to extend the detection range. The conductor is disposed opposite to the sensor electrode with a gap therebetween, allowing the sensor electrode to maintain its small area while the conductor's larger area provides the expanded detection coverage.
2Measurement precision
If the area of the sensor electrode is increased to improve detection sensitivity, then the sensitivity is improved, but the device complexity increases due to adjustments needed for each equipment type
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal sensor structure where the sensor electrode with a smaller area can be used across different equipment types without requiring adjustments. The conductor is configured to have a larger area that can be adapted to different equipment lineups, making the sensor electrode itself equipment-agnostic. This universal design allows the same sensor electrode to work with different conductors tailored to specific equipment requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the sensing function into two separate components: a small-area sensor electrode that maintains consistent electrical characteristics, and a large-area conductor that provides the detection surface. This segmentation allows the sensor electrode to remain simple and universal while the conductor can be customized for different equipment types, reducing the complexity of adjusting the sensor itself.
3Measurement precision
If the sensor electrode area is changed for each equipment lineup to optimize performance, then the sensitivity is optimized, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal sensor structure where the sensor electrode with a smaller area can be used across different equipment types without requiring adjustments. The conductor is configured to have a larger area that can be adapted to different equipment lineups, making the sensor electrode itself equipment-agnostic. This universal design allows the same sensor electrode to work with different conductors tailored to specific equipment requirements.
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
Expands detection range and sensitivity without increasing sensor electrode area, reduces costs, and minimizes adjustments for different equipment setups, while being less susceptible to environmental disturbances.
Implementation Method 1
an electrostatic capacitance sensor that detects the contact or approach action of a detectable object with respect to a detection region based on changes in the capacitance of a sensor electrode
Implementation Method 2
When a part of the user's body (e.g., a finger) interferes with the electric field generated by the sensor electrode, the capacitance of the sensor electrode changes from C0 to C0+ΔC
Data Source
AI summary
An object is to provide an electrostatic capacitance sensor that can expand the detection range without enlarging the sensor electrode and does not need to be adjusted for each type of equipment according to the lineup of equipment in which the electrostatic capacitance sensor is installed. An electrostatic capacitance sensor (1) comprises a sensor electrode (2), a detection device (4) for detecting the user's touch operation to a detection region (8) based on a change in the capacitance of the sensor electrode (2), and a conductor (3) provided in the detection region (8) where a touch operation is detected. The conductor (3) is disposed opposite to the sensor electrode (2) with a gap therebetween or with a dielectric interposed therebetween, the area of the conductor (3), as viewed from a direction in which the sensor electrode (2) and the conductor (3) face each other, is larger than the area of the sensor electrode (2), and a part of the conductor (3) faces the sensor electrode (2).