Conductive 3D Object for Capacitive Sensor Signal Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing capacitive touch systems require an additional input means for generating signals, which can be inconvenient and prone to loss or forgetfulness, and do not allow for intuitive user interaction without the need for specific input devices.

Innovation Solution

A device with an electrically conductive structure arranged on a non-conductive substrate, forming a three-dimensional object that generates periodic signals when moved relative to a capacitive surface sensor, eliminating the need for an additional input means and enabling user-friendly interaction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an additional input means is used to generate signals on the capacitive sensor, then signal generation capability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to the need for separate input devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal generation capabilityVSAvoiduser interaction convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the signal generation function with the device itself by incorporating an electrically conductive structure directly into the device body. This eliminates the need for separate input means, as the device can generate periodic signals on the capacitive sensor through its own movement, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining signal generation capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The device serves itself by generating the periodic signals required for sensor interaction through its own movement. The electrically conductive structure integrated into the device automatically produces the necessary electrical signal pattern when moved relative to the capacitive sensor, eliminating dependency on external input devices or additional components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Loss of information

If geometric coding systems with conductive structures are used, then information encoding capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for precise conductive pattern design

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation encoding capabilityVSAvoidconductive structure design
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic action by designing the electrically conductive structure to generate periodic electrical signals when moved relative to the capacitive sensor. This periodic signal generation simplifies the coding approach compared to complex geometric patterns, as the periodicity itself carries the information encoding capability while reducing structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention utilizes parameter changes in the electrical signal characteristics (such as frequency, amplitude, or timing of periodic signals) to encode information. By varying these parameters through different movement patterns or conductive structure configurations, the system achieves information encoding capability without requiring complex geometric conductive patterns

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If dynamic contact between input means and conductive structure is required, then signal generation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to the need for continuous contact

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal generation consistencyVSAvoidcontact requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device automatically generates periodic signals through its own movement relative to the capacitive sensor, without requiring continuous contact or activation by an external input means. The integrated electrically conductive structure self-activates during movement, improving both reliability of signal generation and ease of operation by eliminating contact requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 allows for intuitive and secure user interaction with capacitive surface sensors without the need for additional input devices, enhancing usability and security by generating periodic signals through the movement of the device, which can be verified and identified reliably.

Implementation Method 1

a capacitive area sensor with an electrode grid comprising rows and columns, wherein the electrically conductive structure is in operative contact with the capacitive area sensor and is moved along a row or column of the electrode grid relative to the capacitive area sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitive coupling: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP3853701B1Device, use thereof, and system for generating a periodic signal on a capacitive surface sensor
Publication Date: 2023.12.06 PRISMADE LABS GMBH
  • EP3853701B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1c
  • EP3853701B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3853701B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device and a system for generating a periodic signal on a capacitive surface sensor, and to the use of the device for generating a periodic signal on a capacitive surface sensor. The device is formed by a three-dimensional object provided with an electrically conductive structure on its contact face. The system comprises a device of this type and a capacitive surface sensor, the device being used to generate periodic signals on the surface sensor.