Capacitive Handle Input Surface With Misalignment-Tolerant Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Capacitive coupling between a handling means and a capacitive touchscreen or touchpad is unreliable due to misalignment of the position indicator's track with the electrode structure, leading to positional detection errors.
Innovation Solution
A capacitive input device with a coupling device featuring a second array of coupling electrodes and contact surfaces, electrically connected via conductive paths on an insulating substrate, allowing for position-dependent capacitive coupling with the measuring fields, ensuring improved capacitive coupling and positional detection across all positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If direct capacitive coupling between position indicator and array electrodes is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to misalignment between track and electrode structure
Solution Approach 1:
A coupling device with coupling electrodes is introduced as an intermediary between the position indicator and the array electrodes. The coupling device includes a substrate with coupling electrodes arranged in a coupling electrode structure that matches the track geometry, enabling reliable capacitive coupling without requiring direct alignment between the position indicator track and the array electrode structure.
2Measurement precision
If coupling device with matching track geometry is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device integrates multiple functions into a single component: the substrate provides mechanical support and electrical insulation, while the coupling electrodes provide capacitive coupling. The coupling electrode structure is designed to match the track geometry, combining geometric adaptation with electrical coupling functionality in one integrated device.
3Measurement precision
If uniform capacitive coupling is achieved across all positions, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling electrode structure is designed with local geometric variations that match the track geometry at different positions. This allows the capacitive coupling to be optimized locally at each position along the track, ensuring uniform coupling characteristics across all positions while accommodating manufacturing tolerances in the overall system.
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 enhances the uniformity and reliability of position detection by compensating for structural misalignment and providing consistent capacitive coupling, enabling accurate positional information and movement tracking.
Implementation Method 1
capacitive coupling between the handling means, particularly of the position indicator provided therein, and the first array of array electrodes
Implementation Method 2
form, by means of the first array of array electrodes, an associated electric measuring field array for the spatially resolving detection of a capacitive influence
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an input device comprising capacitive detection device having detection surface including first array of array electrodes; electronic evaluation unit electrically connected to array electrodes to form associated electric measuring field array for spatially resolving detection of capacitive influence on detection surface; handling means disposed on detection surface to be movable along an adjustment path parallel to detection surface, in order to perform an operating input; position indicator; and coupling device with a first surface on which a second array of coupling electrodes is formed, and with a second surface on which a third array including spaced-apart contact surfaces is formed. Based on the position of the handling means, contact surfaces are touch-contacted by the position indicator. The coupling device includes several electrically conductive connections to capacitively influence the measuring field array. The electronic evaluation unit is configured to detect position-dependent influence on measuring field array.