Ceramic Capacitive Switch Tile Without Mechanical Wear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical switches and pushbuttons face issues such as progressive deterioration due to mechanical wear, chemical corrosion, and safety concerns in harsh environments, particularly when exposed to moisture or explosive gases, and can be rendered useless by high temperatures, necessitating frequent replacement with more expensive materials.
Innovation Solution
A capacitive switch made entirely of ceramic components, comprising a non-conductive ceramic support with a conductive ceramic layer and a protective glazing layer, which allows for durable, chemically resistant, and aesthetically customizable tiles that function as switches or pushbuttons without movable parts, integrated into wall or floor designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional electrical switches use polymer materials and metal parts, then the manufacturing cost is lower, but the durability and resistance to chemical corrosion deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite structure combining non-conductive ceramic support, conductive ceramic layer, and protective glazing layer. This composite ceramic construction provides superior durability, chemical corrosion resistance, and mechanical strength compared to conventional polymer and metal parts, while maintaining manufacturability through established ceramic processing techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameters from organic polymers to inorganic ceramics. This parameter change fundamentally improves resistance to chemical corrosion, high temperature stability, and mechanical durability, while the ceramic materials can be processed using standard manufacturing methods to control costs.
2Reliability
If conventional switches are exposed to harsh environments (moisture, chemicals, high temperature), then the operational function is maintained, but the service life deteriorates due to degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-layer ceramic composite structure provides comprehensive environmental protection. The non-conductive ceramic support offers chemical inertness and thermal stability, while the protective glazing layer provides additional resistance to moisture and chemical attack, collectively extending service life in harsh environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a permanent, non-disposable switch by using materials that do not degrade over time. The ceramic components resist chemical corrosion and thermal degradation, eliminating the need for periodic replacement that would be required with conventional polymer-based switches in harsh environments.
3Reliability
If conventional switches use movable metal parts, then the switching function is achieved, but the mechanical wear causes progressive deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical moving parts system with a capacitive sensing system. The conductive ceramic layer forms a capacitor that detects touch or proximity changes electrically, eliminating mechanical contact and wear entirely. This substitution maintains switching functionality while dramatically extending operational lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive ceramic layer acts as an intermediary between the user's touch and the switching function. Instead of direct mechanical contact between moving parts, the capacitive field mediated by the conductive ceramic detects input and triggers switching, eliminating wear while preserving functionality.
4Reliability
If ceramic materials are used for switches, then the resistance to chemical corrosion and fire is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple ceramic layers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite ceramic structure with three functional layers: non-conductive support, conductive sensing layer, and protective glazing. While this multi-layer approach provides superior chemical and fire resistance, each layer serves a specific function that can be integrated into standard ceramic manufacturing processes, managing complexity through functional specialization.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the ceramic structure have different properties tailored to specific functions. The support layer provides mechanical strength and chemical resistance, the conductive layer provides sensing capability, and the glazing layer provides protective qualities. This local differentiation of material properties optimizes performance while managing structural complexity.
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 ceramic capacitive switch offers enhanced durability, ease of cleaning, and resistance to chemical corrosion and fire, while maintaining decorative possibilities, providing a compact and reliable solution for various applications including lighting and keyboard functions.
Implementation Method 1
each area with a conductive ceramic layer (2) being intended to be connected to a capacitance variation measurement module (5), configured to measure the capacitance variations that occur in the tile when an object, hand or finger is moved closer
Implementation Method 2
The pressure exerted on the piezoelectric material generates an electrical signal, which is used to switch a circuit
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a ceramic switch tile that has the function of a capacitive switch or pushbutton that can be used in pushbuttons, keyboards or other applications, and is made entirely of ceramic materials forming a single block. Specifically, the tile comprises a non-conductive ceramic support (1); areas with a conductive ceramic layer (2), deposited making contact with one side of the non-conductive ceramic support (1) and separated from each other, each area with a conductive ceramic layer (2) comprising a connection sector (6), intended to be connected to a capacitance variation measurement module (5), configured to control electrical devices to be switched; and a protective glazing layer (3), which covers the areas with the conductive ceramic layer (2) and the rest of the non-conductive ceramic support (1) on the same side, except for the connection sectors (6).