Flexible Force-Sensitive Composite Layer for 3D Touch Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional touch modules with pressure sensors lack flexibility and can only sense the Z-axis direction in a partial area, limiting their application in flexible panels and three-dimensional touch sensing.
Innovation Solution
An electronic apparatus comprising a flexible cover plate, a force sensing module with a flexible force-sensitive composite layer and a touch display module, including a silver nanowire electrode layer and a functional spacer layer, along with a metal thin plate for contact, enabling flexible three-dimensional touch sensing and additional functions like panel protection and signal interference prevention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional pressure sensors are mounted on touch modules, then Z-axis sensing function is achieved, but flexibility and full-area sensing capability are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible transparent electrodes made of silver nanowires deposited on flexible substrates (PET or PI) to replace conventional rigid ITO electrodes. This enables the pressure sensor to maintain flexibility while achieving full-area Z-axis sensing capability across the entire touch module surface
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite material structures including silver nanowire networks embedded in flexible polymer matrices, combined with transparent adhesive layers and substrate materials. This composite approach simultaneously provides flexibility, transparency, conductivity, and piezoresistive sensing properties
2Reliability
If metal thin plate is added as contact electrode, then panel protection and anti-interference are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The metal thin plate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the contact electrode for electrical connection, provides mechanical protection against panel scratching, offers electromagnetic shielding to prevent signal interference, and contributes to the overall structural integrity. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate protective components
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 provides a flexible three-dimensional touch sensing capability while preventing panel scratching and signal interference, enhancing the usability of touch modules in flexible panels.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible electrode layer has a first resistivity. The functional spacer layer has a second resistivity greater than the first resistivity.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic apparatus includes a flexible cover plate, a force sensing module, a touch display module, and a metal thin plate. The force sensing module includes a flexible electrode and a flexible force-sensitive composite layer. The flexible force-sensitive composite layer includes at least one flexible electrode layer and at least one functional spacer layer. The flexible electrode layer has a first resistivity. The functional spacer layer has a second resistivity greater than the first resistivity. The flexible electrode layer and the functional spacer layer are disposed under the flexible electrode. The touch display module is disposed between the flexible cover plate and the force sensing module and includes an organic light emitting display unit and a touch sensing layer. The metal thin plate is disposed under the force sensing module and serves as a contact electrode of the force sensing module.