Dual-Antenna Capacitance Sensing for Grip Location Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of multiple capacitance sensors in electronic devices to identify grip states and locations increases the complexity and cost of the device, while also consuming more space for mounting other components.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device is designed with a single sensor integrated circuit (IC) connected to two antennas, utilizing a first and second capacitor in each electrical path between the antennas and the sensor IC, allowing for the reduction of the number of capacitance sensors and the identification of various grip locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple capacitance sensors are used to identify various grip locations, then the measurement precision and functionality are improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single sensor IC is designed to perform multiple functions by measuring capacitance through different antenna combinations. The sensor IC can identify various grip locations (first grip location, second grip location, etc.) using one sensor IC with multiple antenna connections, eliminating the need for multiple separate capacitance sensors while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple antenna elements are electrically connected to a single sensor IC through separate electrical paths. The sensor IC integrates the functionality of multiple capacitance sensors by processing signals from multiple antennas simultaneously, thereby reducing the total number of sensor components while preserving the ability to detect multiple grip locations
2Measurement precision
If multiple capacitance sensors are used to identify various grip locations, then the measurement precision is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single sensor IC is designed to perform multiple functions by measuring capacitance through different antenna combinations. The sensor IC can identify various grip locations (first grip location, second grip location, etc.) using one sensor IC with multiple antenna connections, eliminating the need for multiple separate capacitance sensors while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple antenna elements are electrically connected to a single sensor IC through separate electrical paths. The sensor IC integrates the functionality of multiple capacitance sensors by processing signals from multiple antennas simultaneously, thereby reducing the total number of sensor components and associated manufacturing costs
3Measurement precision
If multiple capacitance sensors are used to identify various grip locations, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device occupies more mounting space
Solution Approach 1:
A single sensor IC is designed to perform multiple functions by measuring capacitance through different antenna combinations. The sensor IC can identify various grip locations (first grip location, second grip location, etc.) using one sensor IC with multiple antenna connections, eliminating the need for multiple separate capacitance sensors while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple antenna elements are electrically connected to a single sensor IC through separate electrical paths. The sensor IC integrates the functionality of multiple capacitance sensors by processing signals from multiple antennas simultaneously, thereby reducing the total number of sensor components and associated manufacturing costs
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 number of capacitance sensors required, thereby saving space and reducing costs, while still enabling the identification of multiple grip locations, enhancing the device's functionality and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetic field may be generated by a current flowing on the antenna
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic field change (or capacitance change) may be caused when a dielectric substance approaches the electronic device
Implementation Method 3
a first capacitor connected to a first electrical path between the first antenna and the sensor IC
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a first antenna, a second antenna, a communication circuit set to transmit and/or receive a signal in the frequency band selected or designated via the first antenna and/or the second antenna, a sensor integrated circuit (IC) which is electrically connected to the first antenna and the second antenna and measures a capacitance, a first capacitor connected to a first electrical path between the first antenna and the sensor IC, and a second capacitor connected to a second electrical path between the second antenna and the sensor IC.