Capacitive Proximity Switch Layout Without Direct Electrical Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional capacitive switches require expensive and unstable electrical connections between conductive elements and sensor/evaluation circuits, increasing manufacturing costs and reducing the reliability of the switches.
Innovation Solution
A capacitive switch design where the sensor face is kept remote from the cover plate by using a dielectric system comprising a non-conductive cover plate and a conductive element, eliminating the need for direct electrical connections and allowing for a stable and cost-effective manufacturing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a direct electrical connection is made between the conductive element and sensor/evaluation circuit using solder or conductive adhesive, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases and connection stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the problematic direct electrical connection (solder or conductive adhesive) from the system by introducing a non-conductive intermediary element. This element physically separates the conductive element from the carrier plate while maintaining electrical isolation, thereby eliminating the need for expensive and unstable soldering or adhesive-based connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a non-conductive intermediary element (such as a non-conductive adhesive or spacer) that mediates between the conductive element and the carrier plate. This intermediary provides mechanical support and positioning without creating unwanted electrical connections, thus improving connection stability while simplifying manufacturing.
2Measurement precision
If the sensor face is positioned close to the cover plate, then capacitance detection sensitivity is improved, but the risk of direct contact and short-circuiting increases
Solution Approach 1:
The non-conductive intermediary element acts as a mediator that maintains a precise, controlled distance between the conductive element (sensor face) and the cover plate. This ensures the sensor remains close enough for sensitive capacitance detection while the non-conductive material prevents any possibility of direct contact and short-circuiting.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-conductive intermediary element can be implemented as a thin film or flexible layer that provides consistent electrical isolation while maintaining the sensor face at an optimal distance from the cover plate, thereby preserving measurement precision without compromising reliability.
3Reliability
If a conductive element is used to bridge the gap between carrier plate and cover plate, then electrical connection is established, but manufacturing complexity and connection instability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex conductive connection mechanism (solder joints, conductive adhesives, or metal contacts) from the system by replacing it with a simple non-conductive intermediary element. This extraction simplifies the manufacturing process while improving connection stability, as the non-conductive element requires no special assembly techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-conductive intermediary element serves as a simple mediator that provides both mechanical support and electrical isolation in a single component, thereby reducing device complexity. Instead of requiring separate conductive elements, mounting structures, and connection mechanisms, the intermediary element combines multiple functions in one simple part.
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
This design allows for reliable detection of capacitance changes without the need for expensive electrical connections, reducing manufacturing costs and enhancing the stability of the switch while maintaining effective operation.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitive sensor element together with the finger of a user, through a touch panel acting as a dielectric, forms a capacitance which is variable depending on operation of the switch
Implementation Method 2
a dielectric system formed of the cover plate, at least one non-conductive element facing towards the sensor face and at least one conductive element arranged between the cover plate and the non-conductive element
Data Source
AI summary
A capacitive proximity and/or contact switch includes a cover plate having an upper side and an underside. The upper side provides a sensitive area of the switch and the cover plate, at least in the region of the sensitive area, is at least partially non-conductive. A conductive sensor face is disposed at a distance from the underside of the cover plate. The dielectric system of this capacitive proximity and/or contact switch is formed of the cover plate, at least one non-conductive element facing towards the sensor face and at least one conductive element between the cover plate and the non-conductive element.