Capacitive Sensor Electrode Coupling in Composite Pane
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing capacitive switching systems have limited range and require precise alignment for object detection, making them less user-friendly and more expensive to integrate into composite panes.
Innovation Solution
A composite pane arrangement with a thermoplastic intermediate layer and an electro-optical functional element, where a sensor electrode is capacitively coupled to the first surface electrode, expanding the capacitive switching range to allow detection over a larger area without the need for precise alignment or additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a traditional sensor electrode is used for capacitive switching, then the switching function is achieved, but the switching range is limited and precise alignment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sensor electrode with the surface electrode of the electro-optical functional element by capacitive coupling. The sensor electrode is positioned in the region of the orthogonal projection of the surface electrode, creating an integrated sensing system where the electro-optical element's surface serves as the capacitive sensor surface, thereby expanding the switching range to the entire electrode area while eliminating alignment requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The surface electrode of the electro-optical functional element serves dual purposes: it controls the optical properties of the electro-optical layer and simultaneously functions as a capacitive sensor surface for touch detection. This multi-functionality allows the entire electrode area to serve as the capacitive switching area, eliminating the need for separate sensor electrodes and precise alignment
2Ease of operation
If a traditional sensor electrode with limited area is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to limited touch area
Solution Approach 1:
The surface electrode performs dual functions as both the control electrode for the electro-optical layer and the capacitive sensor electrode. This eliminates the need for separate sensor electrodes and complex electrode arrangements, while providing a large touch area equal to the entire surface electrode area, thereby improving ease of operation without increasing device complexity
3Ease of manufacture
If a sensor electrode is integrated into the composite pane, then the capacitive switching function is achieved, but production costs increase due to additional components and alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sensor electrode function with the existing surface electrode of the electro-optical functional element. The sensor electrode is capacitively coupled to the surface electrode and positioned in its orthogonal projection region, allowing the entire surface electrode area to serve as the capacitive sensing area. This integration eliminates the need for separate sensor electrode components and precise alignment processes, thereby reducing production costs while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
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 capacitive switching range, enabling intuitive touch or proximity sensing over a larger area without the need for marked interfaces, reducing production costs and improving user interaction.
Implementation Method 1
If an object approaches the sensor electrode, the capacitance of the sensor electrode to ground or the capacitance of the capacitor formed by the two coupled sensor electrode areas changes
Implementation Method 2
Electro-optical functional elements, the transparency of which can be controlled by an electrical voltage signal, preferably contain one or more SPD foils (SPD = suspended particle device), liquid crystal-containing foils, such as PDLC foils (PDLC = polymer dispersed liquid crystal) or electrochromic layer systems
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
The invention relates to a sheet arrangement (101) comprising: a first sheet (1) and a second sheet (2), which are interconnected by means of at least one intermediate layer (3); an electro-optical functional element (4) comprising a first plate electrode (5), an electro-optical functional layer (6) and a second plate electrode (7), the functional element (4) being arranged between the first sheet (1) and the second sheet (2), and the first plate electrode (5) facing the first sheet (1) and the second plate electrode (7) facing the second sheet (2); a sensor electrode (8) arranged between the first plate electrode (5) and the first sheet (1), the sensor electrode (8) being capacitively coupled to the first plate electrode (5); and a capacitive electronic sensor system (20), which is electrically connected to the sensor electrode (8), the sensitivity of the electronic sensor system (20) being selected such that when the outer surface (IV) of the first sheet (1), above the first surface electrode (5), is touched by a human body part, such as a finger or a hand, or said human body part approaches the outer surface (IV) of the first sheet (1), above the first surface electrode (5), a switching signal is emitted.