Differential Capacitive Pressure Sensing for Multi-Dimensional Input

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices support only one-dimensional input and lack accurate pressure detection, limiting their versatility and application scenarios as technology integrates multiple functions into a single device.

Innovation Solution

A pressure detection apparatus comprising a differential circuit, pressure sensors with multiple electrode plates and elastic dielectric layers, and a pressure calculation unit that outputs voltage differences to accurately calculate pressure, enhancing detection precision and versatility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If capacitive touch control technology is used to detect finger touch, then touch control function can be implemented, but pressure detection precision is insufficient and only one-dimensional input is supported

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure detection precisionVSAvoidinput dimensionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure detection apparatus is divided into multiple independent pressure sensors, each comprising first, second, and third electrode plates that can independently detect pressure. This segmentation allows each sensor to provide precise pressure measurement while multiple sensors collectively enable multi-dimensional input capabilities across the touch surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from one-dimensional capacitive touch detection to multi-dimensional pressure detection by introducing a third electrode plate and elastic dielectric layers. This structural dimensionality enhancement enables simultaneous detection of pressure magnitude, touch position, and force distribution, thereby supporting multi-dimensional input beyond simple touch presence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If simple finger touch control is implemented, then basic touch functions are achieved, but application scenario versatility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication scenario versatilityVSAvoidpressure detection precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure detection apparatus is designed with universal applicability across multiple application scenarios including but not limited to touch screens, keyboards, mice, and other input devices. The core pressure sensing mechanism remains consistent while adapting to different form factors and functional requirements, enabling one technology platform to serve diverse applications with varying precision needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-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 apparatus improves pressure detection precision and versatility, enabling multi-dimensional input and expanding application scenarios by accurately sensing pressure changes and integrating with various intelligent terminals.

Implementation Method 1

both of the two detection capacitors change when the first electrode plate is subject to the external pressure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

a first elastic dielectric layer disposed between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate; a second elastic dielectric layer disposed between the first electrode plate and the third electrode plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3376195B1Pressure detection apparatus and intelligent terminal
Publication Date: 2022.04.20 SHENZHEN GOODIX TECH CO LTD
  • EP3376195B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3376195B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3376195B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to input device technologies, and disclose a pressure detection apparatus and an intelligent terminal. The pressure detection apparatus includes: a drive power supply, a differential circuit, a pressure calculation unit, and at least one pressure sensor. Each pressure sensor includes a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate, a third electrode plate, a first elastic dielectric layer, and a second elastic dielectric layer. One detection capacitor is formed between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate, and one detection capacitor is formed between the first electrode plate and the third electrode plate. The pressure sensor is connected between the drive power supply and an input terminal of the differential circuit, and an output terminal of the differential circuit is connected to the pressure calculation unit. Embodiments of the present disclosure further provide an intelligent terminal.