Elastic Interaction Shells With Near-Surface Capacitance Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Interaction apparatuses with less elastically deformable materials, such as those with fur covers, struggle to detect faint touches due to capacitance sensors being positioned deeply within the apparatus, leading to missed touch detections.
Innovation Solution
An interaction apparatus with an outer shell made of an elastically deformable material and capacitance sensors disposed near the surface, utilizing a substrate section with elasticity and sensor electrodes to enhance touch detection sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the capacitance sensor is disposed at a relatively deep position inside the interaction apparatus, then the structural stability is improved, but the touch detection sensitivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the sensor from a deep internal position to a surface-level position, changing the spatial dimension of sensor placement. This allows the sensor to be positioned in a different dimensional plane (at the surface rather than deep inside), enabling direct contact with or proximity to the outer cover while maintaining structural integrity through proper substrate design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible substrate section that can be disposed near the surface of the outer shell. This thin-film substrate allows the sensor electrode to be positioned close to the outer cover surface while maintaining structural stability, as the flexible substrate can conform to the surface geometry without compromising the overall apparatus structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the outer cover includes fur or soft material, then the user experience is improved, but the touch detection capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the flexible substrate section as an intermediary between the sensor electrode and the outer cover surface. This substrate acts as a mediator that allows the sensor to detect touches through or near the fur/soft material while maintaining the desired user experience with the outer cover's tactile properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical touch sensors with a capacitance sensor system. This substitution allows for the detection of faint touches through soft materials like fur, as capacitance sensors can detect changes in electrical field caused by proximity or contact, rather than requiring direct mechanical force transmission through the outer cover material.
3Measurement precision
If the outer shell is made of elastically deformable material, then the touch sensitivity is improved, but the structural rigidity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making only the outer shell elastically deformable while keeping the substrate section and internal structure relatively rigid. This localized elasticity allows the outer surface to deform and follow touch inputs for enhanced sensitivity, while the internal components maintain their structural rigidity and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material principles by combining the elastically deformable outer shell with a rigid substrate section and internal framework. This composite structure allows different parts of the apparatus to have different mechanical properties - the outer shell provides elasticity for touch sensitivity, while the internal components provide rigidity for structural strength.
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 solution allows for sensitive detection of faint touches and deformations, increasing the degree of freedom for the outer cover and enabling realistic user interactions.
Implementation Method 1
at least one capacitance sensor disposed near a surface of the outer shell. The capacitance sensor includes a substrate section having elasticity and at least one sensor electrode disposed on the substrate section
Implementation Method 2
an outer shell including a material having elasticity and at least one capacitance sensor disposed near a surface of the outer shell
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an interaction apparatus 1 including an outer shell 110 including a material having elasticity and at least one capacitance sensor 12 disposed near a surface of the outer shell 110. The capacitance sensor 12 includes a substrate section having elasticity and at least one sensor electrode disposed on the substrate section.