Capacitive Touch Pad Integrated Behind Transparent Window
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable terminals with exposed touch pads suffer from unattractive designs and vulnerability to foreign materials like dust and water due to the need for an external opening for signal input.
Innovation Solution
A capacitive touch pad is integrated between the display and an upper body with a transparent window, allowing signal input through the window while preventing foreign material ingress, using a touch-sensing unit and signal-transferring unit that are transparent and connected via flexible circuitry to maintain an attractive design and prevent permeation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the touch pad is outwardly exposed to enable direct pressure input, then the touch input function is achieved, but the appearance becomes unattractive and foreign materials can permeate into the body
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transparent touch pad as an intermediary layer between the user's finger and the display. This transparent touch pad allows capacitive touch input while maintaining the sealed structure of the device body, thus achieving both the touch input function and an attractive appearance without compromising the sealed structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical pressure-based touch pad with a capacitive touch pad. This substitution allows touch input to be detected through capacitive changes rather than mechanical pressure, enabling the touch pad to be integrated into the sealed structure without requiring an opening for direct pressure application
2Ease of operation
If the touch pad is outwardly exposed to enable direct pressure input, then the touch input function is achieved, but foreign materials can permeate into the body through the opening
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent touch pad serves as an intermediary that enables capacitive touch input while maintaining the sealed structure of the device body, preventing foreign materials from entering through openings
Solution Approach 2:
By replacing mechanical pressure-based touch input with capacitive touch input, the patent eliminates the need for an opening in the device body, thereby preventing foreign material permeation while maintaining touch 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
The solution enables attractive design aesthetics and protection from foreign materials by allowing capacitive signal input through a transparent window, ensuring the terminal remains dust and water-resistant while maintaining visibility of the display.
Implementation Method 1
a touch pad (20) which is disposed at an upper surface of the display (14) to input information in a capacitive manner
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A portable terminal has a body including a transparent window integrally formed therein, a display disposed beneath the body and visible through the transparent window, and a touch screen located between the display and the body, the touch screen permitting signal input in a capacitive manner.