Flexible Control Element with Transparent Haptic Sensor
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display and control elements are costly, limited in application due to rectangular shape, and require complex active control, making them unsuitable for various applications, especially on transparent surfaces where field of view is impaired.
Innovation Solution
The use of optoelectronic components within a flexible layer stack, incorporating structured shadow masks or diffuser layers, and integrating a transparent capacitive or resistive haptic sensor to create a flexible, cost-effective, and partially transparent control element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional u-LED based displays are used, then display function is achieved, but manufacturing cost is very high and device complexity increases due to required active control (TFT backplane & control electronics)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex TFT backplane and active control electronics from the display system. Instead, it uses a passive matrix addressing scheme with simple row and column electrodes, eliminating the need for complex active control while maintaining display functionality through the electrophoretic effect in the e-ink medium.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, complex active control electronics with simple, inexpensive passive matrix control electrodes. The display achieves its function through a simpler, more cost-effective architecture that trades active control for passive optical control mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional rectangular display elements are used, then display function is achieved, but adaptability to different applications is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible thin film structures for the display element, allowing it to be manufactured in various shapes and sizes. The flexible substrate and thin film electrodes enable the display to adapt to different application requirements beyond conventional rectangular forms, including curved or irregular shapes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal display technology that can be applied to multiple different applications and form factors. The electrophoretic display mechanism combined with flexible substrates allows the same basic technology to serve diverse purposes, from wearable devices to automotive displays to transparent surfaces.
3Illumination intensity
If control elements are integrated on transparent surfaces, then field of view is maintained, but illumination homogeneity becomes difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a diffuser layer as an intermediary between the light source and the display medium. This diffuser layer scatters and redistributes light to achieve uniform illumination across the transparent display surface, solving the illumination homogeneity problem while maintaining transparency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local optical control through the diffuser layer and selective electrode positioning to achieve uniform illumination only where needed on the transparent surface. The display elements can be selectively activated in different regions, providing homogeneous illumination locally while maintaining overall transparency.
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 solution reduces the number of optoelectronic components needed, simplifies control, and ensures homogeneous illumination, making the control element suitable for a wide range of applications, including transparent surfaces without obstructing the view.
Implementation Method 1
The at least two optoelectronic components generate light along a first main radiation direction during operation
Implementation Method 2
A diffuser layer is arranged downstream of the at least two opto-electronic components with respect to the first main radiation direction
Implementation Method 3
a touch-sensitive sensor adapted to detect an applied touch or pressure along the first main radiation direction or in the opposite direction and to generate an electrical signal therefrom
Data Source
AI summary
A control element includes a carrier element, a luminous foil in which or on which at least two optoelectronic components for generating light along a first main radiation direction as well as contact lines connected thereto are arranged, a diffuser layer downstream of the at least two optoelectronic components with respect to the first main radiation direction, a structured symbol element which is not in front of the diffuser layer with respect to the first main radiation direction and designed to form at least one symbol when the at least two optoelectronic components are operated and in a top view of the diffuser layer when viewed along the first main radiation direction, and a tactile sensor adapted to detect contact or pressure exerted along or opposite to the first main radiation direction to generate an electrical signal.