Display-Integrated Force Sensor Structure for Thinner Electronics
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of force sensors in electronic devices, such as smartphones, increases thickness and manufacturing costs due to their independent nature and requirement for additional layers and circuits, which can lead to separation issues and higher power consumption.
Innovation Solution
Integrating part of the force sensor within the display itself, using a configuration where a first electrode layer is disposed on the display surface, an opaque adhesive member is placed between the electrode layers, and the second electrode layer is positioned on the adhesive member, allowing for reduced thickness and shared circuitry with the display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the force sensor is disposed below the display as an independent component with multiple layers, then the force sensing function is achieved, but the thickness of the electronic device significantly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The force sensor is merged with the display by integrating the first electrode layer directly onto the display surface, eliminating the need for separate force sensor layers and reducing overall device thickness while maintaining force sensing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The display structure is given multiple functions by incorporating force sensing capability into it, allowing the display to serve both as a visual output device and as a force detection sensor, thereby eliminating dedicated force sensor components
2Measurement precision
If the force sensor is disposed below the display as an independent component with multiple layers, then the force sensing function is achieved, but separation occurs between the layers
Solution Approach 1:
The force sensor components are merged into the display structure itself, with the first electrode layer being directly disposed on the display, eliminating the multi-layer independent force sensor assembly that causes separation issues
3Measurement precision
If dedicated integrated circuit and support layer are required for the force sensor, then the force sensing function is achieved, but manufacturing costs and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The display and its existing control circuits are made multi-functional to handle both display operations and force sensing, eliminating the need for dedicated force sensor integrated circuits and support layers, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The force sensing function is merged into the existing display control system, allowing shared use of integrated circuits and support infrastructure, which reduces manufacturing costs compared to implementing force sensing as a separate independent component
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
This configuration reduces the overall thickness and manufacturing costs of electronic devices while maintaining functionality, as the force sensor is integrated within the display, minimizing separation issues and potentially lowering power consumption by sharing control circuits with the display.
Implementation Method 1
a force sensor interposed between the display and the second surface of the housing. The force sensor may include a first electrode layer disposed on a surface of the display
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a housing that includes a first surface facing a first direction, a second surface facing a second direction that is opposite the first direction, and a transparent member forming at least part of the first surface, a display that is interposed between the first surface and the second surface of the housing and is exposed through the transparent member, and a force sensor that is interposed between the display and the second surface of the housing.