Capacitive Sensor with Thin Elastic Layer for Rigid Housing Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic apparatus housings with high rigidity require sensors with high sensitivity for detecting surface presses, which existing sensors fail to provide effectively.
Innovation Solution
A sensor comprising a capacitive sensor electrode layer, a reference electrode layer, and an elastic layer with a thickness of 100 μm or less and a weight per unit area of less than 3 mg/cm2, supported by a frame to oppose the housing, enhancing sensitivity and dynamic range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a housing with high rigidity is used, then structural strength is improved, but sensor sensitivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using a thin elastic layer (100 μm or less) with low weight per unit area (less than 3 mg/cm²) as the sensing element. This thin film structure allows the sensor to detect pressing forces effectively while maintaining compatibility with rigid housings, resolving the contradiction between housing strength and sensor sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the elastic layer, specifically controlling its thickness (100 μm or less) and weight per unit area (less than 3 mg/cm²). By optimizing these parameters, the sensor achieves high sensitivity for detecting pressing forces on rigid housings, thereby resolving the technical contradiction.
2Measurement precision
If the elastic layer thickness is reduced, then sensor sensitivity is improved, but mechanical strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the thickness parameter of the elastic layer to be 100 μm or less, which improves sensor sensitivity while maintaining sufficient mechanical strength through precise parameter control. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between sensitivity and strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material structures in the sensor assembly, combining the thin elastic layer with electrode layers and housing structures. This composite approach allows the thin elastic layer to provide high sensitivity while the overall composite structure maintains the necessary mechanical strength.
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 achieves good sensitivity and dynamic range by utilizing a thin, lightweight elastic layer between the sensor and reference electrode layers, allowing for effective detection of presses on the housing.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic layer provided between the sensor electrode layer and the reference electrode layer
Implementation Method 2
a capacitive sensor electrode layer, a reference electrode layer
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor includes a capacitive sensor electrode layer, a reference electrode layer, and an elastic layer provided between the sensor electrode layer and the reference electrode layer. A thickness of the elastic layer is 100 μm or less, and a weight per unit area of the elastic layer is less than 3 mg/cm2.