Capacitive Input Switch with Segmented Extraction Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional capacitive input switches face challenges in accommodation within electronic equipment housings due to elongated extraction lines, which can cause obstacles and durability issues, especially when three-dimensionally formed, leading to conduction failures or disconnections.
Innovation Solution
A capacitive input switch design featuring a rigidity imparting layer and a laminate sheet, where a separate conductor is used to connect the conductive pattern layer to the external electric circuit, eliminating the need for elongated extraction lines and enhancing durability by using a conductive elastomer or elastic electric connector, and incorporating a protective layer and anti-oxidizing film for stability and protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an elongated extraction line is formed to be prolonged in the pattern electrode for electrical connection, then the capacitive input switch can be electrically connected to the external circuit, but the extraction line becomes an obstacle to accommodating the switch in the housing and may cause conduction failure or disconnection when three-dimensionally formed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the electrical connection function into separate components: the conductive pattern layer remains planar while a separate flexible printed circuit board (FPC) handles the elongated extraction lines. This segmentation allows the pattern electrode to maintain simple geometry for reliable conduction while the FPC accommodates the extended connection paths needed for housing integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The FPC acts as an intermediary between the conductive pattern layer and the external circuit. It receives electrical signals from the pattern electrode through connection portions and extends the extraction lines to external connection terminals, mediating the electrical connection while absorbing the geometric complexity of elongated paths and three-dimensional routing.
2Shape
If the capacitive input switch is three dimensionally solid-formed to enhance design properties, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the elongated extraction line bends abruptly causing durability to lower and conduction failure to occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the three-dimensionally formed decorative housing from the electrical connection system. The housing can be aesthetically shaped while the FPC provides a dedicated flexible pathway for extraction lines, preventing abrupt bends at critical conduction points and maintaining durability despite complex housing geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The FPC functions as a flexible thin film structure that can bend and conform to three-dimensional housing shapes without causing stress concentration or conduction failure. Its flexibility allows it to accommodate abrupt directional changes in the housing while maintaining reliable electrical connections through its resilient construction.
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 design allows for proper accommodation of the capacitive input switch within electronic equipment housings, prevents conduction failures, and enhances durability by stabilizing connections and preventing oxidation, while also enabling light transmission for improved functionality and operability.
Implementation Method 1
when the finger contacts with the decorative layer on the front face of the housing, a capacitor is formed between the pattern electrode of the conductive pattern layer and the finger and the place where the finger exists is detected as a change of an electrostatic capacitance
Implementation Method 2
the conductive pattern layer is caused to be electrically connected to an external electric circuit by the conductor
Data Source
AI summary
In a capacitive input switch that is accommodated in a housing of electronic equipment, the capacitive input switch includes a rigidity imparting layer having rigidity and a laminate sheet laminated on the rigidity imparting layer. The rigidity imparting layer and the laminate sheet are three dimensionally formed. The laminate sheet is formed by a substrate sheet, a conductive pattern layer for capacitor formation, and a decorative layer that is laminated at least on any one of the substrate sheet and the conductive pattern layer. A separate conductor is caused to contact with the conductive pattern layer and the conductive pattern layer is caused to be electrically connected to an external electric circuit by the conductor.