Capacitive Pressure Sensor Using Deformable Substrates

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional devices capable of both proximity and touch sensing require additional pressure sensors, increasing their overall cost and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A capacitive pressure sensor design featuring substrates that deform upon firm pressure application, either creating or eliminating an air gap between them, allowing for the detection of firm pressure through changes in capacitance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If additional pressure sensors and resistance film sensors are used to detect firm pressure, then the detection capability for firm pressure is improved, but the overall cost and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefirm pressure detection capabilityVSAvoidnumber of sensors

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines firm pressure detection capability into the existing capacitive touch sensor by adding a deformable substrate layer, merging multiple functions (touch sensing and firm pressure detection) into a single integrated sensor structure, thereby eliminating the need for separate pressure sensors and resistance film sensors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The capacitive touch sensor is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting light touches through capacitance changes and detecting firm presses through substrate deformation, making the sensor universal for both touch and pressure sensing applications without requiring additional specialized sensors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If additional pressure sensors and resistance film sensors are used to detect firm pressure, then the detection capability for firm pressure is improved, but the overall cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefirm pressure detection capabilityVSAvoidoverall device cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines firm pressure detection capability into the existing capacitive touch sensor by adding a deformable substrate layer, merging multiple functions (touch sensing and firm pressure detection) into a single integrated sensor structure, thereby eliminating the need for separate pressure sensors and resistance film sensors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The capacitive touch sensor is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting light touches through capacitance changes and detecting firm presses through substrate deformation, making the sensor universal for both touch and pressure sensing applications without requiring additional specialized sensors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 costs and enhancing the capability of touch sensing devices to differentiate between light and firm touches.

Implementation Method 1

capacitive sensors operate by detecting changes in the capacitance formed between a transmission electrode and a sense electrode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

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

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Data Source

PatentUS10268328B2Methods and apparatus for a capacitive pressure sensor

Publication Date: 2019.04.23 SEMICON COMPONENTS IND LLC

AI summary

Various embodiments of the present technology may comprise methods and apparatus for a capacitive pressure sensor configured to detect firm pressure to a sensing surface. The capacitive pressure sensor may comprise 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.