Capacitive Pressure Sensor Using Deformable Air-Gap Substrates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional devices capable of both proximity and touch sensing require additional pressure sensors, increasing their cost and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A capacitive pressure sensor design featuring deformable substrates that create or eliminate an air gap in response to firm pressure, allowing for the detection of pressure changes through capacitance measurement without additional sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If additional pressure sensors are used to detect firm pressure, then pressure detection capability is improved, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pressure sensing function with the existing capacitive touch sensing system by adding a deformable substrate that modifies the capacitance of existing sense elements when deformed by pressure. This combines multiple sensing functions (touch and pressure) into a single integrated system, eliminating the need for separate pressure sensors and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining pressure detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable substrate serves multiple functions: it acts as both a structural component of the touch sensor and a pressure-sensitive element. When deformed by pressure, it directly modulates the capacitance of the sense electrodes, allowing the same capacitive sensing circuit to perform both touch detection and pressure measurement, thereby achieving multi-functionality without additional sensors
2Device complexity
If deformable substrates are used to detect firm pressure through capacitance change, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the capacitive sensing system by measuring changes in capacitance value that occur when the deformable substrate is compressed by pressure. The capacitance parameter varies in response to substrate deformation, providing a measurable signal that correlates with applied pressure magnitude, thereby enabling accurate pressure detection through electrical parameter monitoring rather than mechanical measurement
3Measurement precision
If the substrate deforms to create or eliminate an air gap, then pressure detection is enabled, but structural stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a deformable substrate that functions as a flexible structural element capable of controlled deformation. This substrate is designed with appropriate mechanical properties to deform elastically under pressure while maintaining overall structural integrity, allowing it to modulate the air gap between sensing surfaces without compromising the structural stability of the entire sensor assembly
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
Enables the detection of firm pressure without the need for additional sensors, reducing device cost and complexity while maintaining effective touch and proximity sensing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
capacitive sensors operate by detecting changes in the capacitance formed between a transmission electrode and a sense electrode
Implementation Method 2
at least one of the first and second substrate is configured to deform when firm pressure is applied. The deformation of the sensor may either create an air gap between the substrates or eliminate an air gap between the substrates
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of the present technology may provide methods and apparatus for a capacitive pressure sensor configured to detect firm pressure to a sensing surface. The capacitive pressure sensor may include a first substrate and a second substrate, wherein at least one of the first and second substrate is configured to deform when firm pressure is applied. The deformation of the sensor may either create a gap between the substrates or eliminate a gap between the substrates. The deformation may be interpreted as firm pressure to the sensing surface.