Contactless Button Sensing Layer for Uniform Detection Accuracy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing contactless buttons with optical sensors placed on the outer frame face challenges in sensing accuracy due to the influence of the outer frame's shape, necessitating restrictive design considerations.
Innovation Solution
A contactless button design featuring a substrate, frame, and sensing module with a conductive layer covering a supporting plate, where the conductive layer is electrically connected to the substrate, forming a homogeneous sensing area, and supported by a flexible sheet, which covers the outer surface, allowing for improved sensing accuracy without additional frame constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the optical sensor is set on the outer frame of the button, then the sensing range can be improved, but the shape of the outer frame is restricted and affects sensing accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the optical sensor from the outer frame structure and relocates it to the substrate. This separation eliminates the constraint where the frame shape limited sensor placement and sensing accuracy. The sensor is now positioned independently on the substrate, allowing the frame to be designed freely for aesthetic or structural purposes without affecting sensing performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a light transmissive plate as an intermediary element between the optical sensor and the button surface. This plate allows light to pass through to the sensor while maintaining a uniform front surface appearance. The intermediary enables the sensor to be positioned on the substrate rather than on the frame, resolving the contradiction between sensing accuracy and frame design flexibility.
2Measurement precision
If the conductive layer is exposed on the outer surface, then the sensing area can be formed, but the conductive layer is vulnerable to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a light transmissive plate (thin film) to cover and protect the conductive layer. This thin film allows light to pass through to enable sensing while providing mechanical protection to the conductive layer underneath. The flexible nature of the thin film maintains contact with the conductive layer surface without restricting its sensing function, thus protecting the conductive layer while preserving sensing area uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure where the light transmissive plate is positioned over the conductive layer. This composite arrangement combines the protective function of the plate with the sensing function of the conductive layer, achieving both durability and sensing accuracy simultaneously.
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 enhances sensing accuracy by ensuring a uniform sensing range and protects the conductive layer while providing sufficient support, eliminating the need for additional elements and reducing the risk of damage to connection parts.
Implementation Method 1
the sensing module is adapted for converting a light beam provided by a light-emitting unit on the substrate into a suspending optical image through the optical imaging assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A contactless button includes a substrate, a frame, and a sensing module. The frame is arranged on the substrate, and the frame has an opening on a side away from the substrate. The sensing module is adapted for forming a sensing area and has a sensing part that covers the opening. The sensing part has a plurality of layers including a supporting plate, a sheet, and a conductive layer. The supporting plate covers the opening. The sheet completely covers a side of the supporting plate away from the substrate. The conductive layer is located between the sheet and the supporting plate and completely covers the sheet. The conductive layer is electrically connected to the substrate and is adapted for forming the sensing area. A button having the contactless switch function is also provided.