Earbud Touch Electrode Around Microphone Hole for Better Sensitivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
In-ear type wireless earsets face challenges in arranging multiple components due to their small size, leading to reduced touch electrode size and deteriorated touch performance.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device incorporates a housing with a touch sensor module and a conductive pattern positioned to surround a microphone hole, utilizing a flexible printed circuit board to expand the touch area and improve sensitivity without additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the size of the wireless earset is reduced, then the device becomes more compact and wearable, but the touch electrode size is reduced and touch performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The touch electrode is configured to extend in multiple dimensions including around the microphone hole opening, utilizing the three-dimensional space within the housing. The electrode includes first, second, third, and fourth portions that extend in different directions, effectively using spatial arrangement to increase touch area without increasing overall device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The touch electrode is nested around the microphone hole opening, with the electrode portions arranged to surround and integrate with the microphone structure. This nesting allows the touch electrode to utilize the space around existing components rather than requiring separate dedicated space.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components are arranged on the exposed portion, then functionality is enhanced, but the available space for each component is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The second printed circuit board serves multiple functions: it supports the microphone, provides mounting for the touch electrode, and acts as a structural element within the housing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components and space for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The touch electrode and microphone are merged into a single integrated structure on the second printed circuit board, with the electrode surrounding the microphone hole. This combination allows both components to share space and structural support, improving space utilization.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments relate to an electronic device comprising a touch electrode. The electronic device may comprise: a housing comprising a first microphone hole; a first printed circuit board positioned inside the housing; a touch sensor circuit comprising a touch sensor positioned on the first printed circuit board; at least one microphone configured to collect external sound; at least one second printed circuit board electrically connected to the first printed circuit board, including a first surface facing an interior of the housing, in which the microphone is positioned, and comprises a second microphone hole, and a first touch electrode electrically connected to the touch sensor circuit by being positioned on a second surface, which is a surface opposite the first surface, to surround the second microphone hole, wherein the second printed circuit board is disposed between the housing and the first printed circuit board so that the second microphone hole corresponds to the first microphone hole; and a conductive pattern positioned to cover at least a portion of the first touch electrode, and electrically connected to the touch sensor circuit.