Edge Force Sensor with Conductive Bump for Display Interference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Incorporating force sensors into display devices can interfere with other components, and existing solutions do not adequately address the sensitivity and integration issues of force sensors within these devices.

Innovation Solution

A display device design that includes first and second force sensors disposed near the edges of a display panel, with a conductive sheet and bump portions to enhance sensitivity, and a bracket to house components while preventing interference with the display connector.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If force sensors are incorporated into the display device, then input functionality is enhanced, but interference with other components occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinput functionalityVSAvoidinterference with components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The force sensing function is segmented from the main display area and concentrated at the edges through protruding bump portions. This segmentation allows the force sensor to operate independently at specific locations without interfering with the display panel and other components in the main area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A dedicated force sensor structure with protruding bump portions acts as an intermediary between user input and the display system. This intermediary structure receives force input at the edges and transmits it through the conductive sheet to the controller, preventing direct interference with display components while maintaining input functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If force sensors are integrated into the display panel, then input capability is provided, but sensitivity is reduced due to interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinput capabilityVSAvoidsensitivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The force sensing capability is concentrated at specific local positions (edges) through protruding bump portions rather than being uniformly distributed. This local quality enhancement improves sensitivity at the input locations by isolating the sensing mechanism from interfering components in other areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The force sensor utilizes the thickness dimension by extending protruding bump portions outward from the display panel surface. This dimensional approach allows the sensor to detect force input at a distance from the panel without requiring direct contact with the display area, thereby maintaining sensitivity while avoiding interference.

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

3Reliability

If force sensors are placed near the edges of the display panel, then interference with display connector is prevented, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference preventionVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The protruding bump portions serve multiple functions: they act as force sensing elements, provide structural support, and define the input area boundaries. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The force sensor structure is merged with the display panel assembly, where the protruding bump portions are integrated into the panel's edge structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate force sensor housings or mounting mechanisms, reducing device complexity while preventing interference with display connectors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 improves the sensitivity of force sensors and reduces malfunctions due to interference, providing a more reliable and efficient input method for display devices.

Implementation Method 1

the force sensing layer 122 may include a force sensitive material. The force sensitive material may include metal nanoparticles such as nickel, aluminum, tin or copper, or may include carbon. When a force is applied to the force sensing layer 122, the resistance of the force sensing layer 122 is changed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoresistive effect: Piezoresistive Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3611602B1Display device
Publication Date: 2024.11.13 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP3611602B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3611602B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3611602B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A display device includes: a display panel; a conductive sheet disposed below the display panel; a force concentration bump disposed below the conductive sheet and disposed adjacent to a first edge of the display panel; and a force sensor disposed below the conductive sheet, extending in a first direction along the first edge of the display panel, the force sensor includes a sensing region, wherein the force concentration bump overlaps the sensing region, and the force concentration bump and the conductive sheet are made of a same material.