Edge Touch Element for Display Structural Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable information handling systems lack effective methods to integrate touch user interfaces beyond traditional display surfaces, limiting user interaction and mechanical stability, especially as devices become thinner and more compact.
Innovation Solution
An edge touch element is introduced, featuring a touch sensor layer bonded to the display's edge, which is electronically integrated with the touch panel layer, providing additional touch input areas and structural support by extending to the back surface or other edges, with varying touch pixel density and sensitivity, and including conductive traces for connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the touch panel is extended to the display edge, then user interaction capability is improved, but device structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The edge touch element serves dual functions: it provides additional touch input capability for enhanced user interaction while simultaneously acting as a structural reinforcement element that improves device stability. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the same component beneficial for both usability and structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The edge touch element is constructed as a composite structure integrating the touch sensor layer with the display structure. This composite design allows the element to function both as a touch sensing component and as a structural reinforcement, thereby improving both user interaction capability and device stability simultaneously.
2Area of stationary object
If the touch sensor layer extends to the back surface, then touch input area is increased, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The touch sensor layer is merged with the display structure to form an integrated edge touch element. This combination eliminates the need for separate touch sensing components at the edges, thereby increasing the touch input area while avoiding the manufacturing complexity that would arise from adding independent components.
Solution Approach 2:
The edge touch element serves multiple functions including touch sensing, structural support, and edge protection. By making the touch sensor layer multi-functional, the design expands the touch input area without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity, as the same structure performs multiple roles.
3Measurement precision
If the touch sensor layer has varying thickness, then touch sensitivity is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The touch sensor layer is designed with varying thickness at different locations to optimize touch sensitivity for specific interaction patterns. This local quality variation allows enhanced sensitivity where needed while maintaining manufacturability, as the thickness variation follows predictable patterns that can be controlled during the bonding process.
Solution Approach 2:
The thickness parameter of the touch sensor layer is deliberately varied to achieve optimal touch sensitivity characteristics. By controlling this parameter variation during manufacturing, the system achieves improved touch sensitivity while maintaining reasonable manufacturing precision requirements through process optimization.
Data Source
AI summary
A touch user interface may be implemented at a display edge, such as a display included with a portable information handling system. An edge touch element may provide structural support for the display along with touch functionality. The edge touch element may be integrated with a touch panel included with the display. The edge touch element may wrap around to a back face of the display.