Flexible Textile Touch Sensor With Interference-Shielded Lighting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing textile-based sensing and lighting technologies face challenges in maintaining comfort, mechanical flexibility, and seamless integration due to issues like large open areas in the textile web and electric interferences between capacitive sensors and electroluminescent devices, which complicate printing steps and sensor functionality.
Innovation Solution
The development of a flexible textile structure with self-capacitive sensing capabilities using a single electrode and integrated electroluminescent lighting, where a polymeric membrane fills gaps in the textile web and a grounded conductive track mitigates electric interference, allowing for easier printing and stable sensor operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple layers and materials are used to create textile-based sensing and lighting technologies, then sensing and lighting functions are achieved, but comfort and mechanical flexibility are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines capacitive sensing and electroluminescent lighting functions into a single integrated textile structure. The conductive yarns serve dual purposes as both sensing elements and electrical connections for the lighting elements, eliminating the need for separate sensing layers and reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining both functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive yarns in the textile structure serve multiple functions: they act as electrodes for capacitive sensing, provide electrical connections for electroluminescent elements, and maintain the mechanical flexibility of the textile. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed.
2Ease of operation
If large open areas are present in the textile web, then comfort and flexibility are improved, but printing steps become difficult and sensor functionality is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies conductive coatings or printed materials only in specific localized areas where sensing and lighting functions are needed, rather than covering the entire textile surface. This allows the majority of the textile to maintain its open structure for comfort and flexibility, while functional areas receive the necessary material deposits.
3Device complexity
If capacitive sensors and electroluminescent devices are integrated in close proximity, then device complexity is reduced, but electric interferences cause sensor malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces grounded conductive yarns or shielding layers as intermediary elements between the capacitive sensing elements and electroluminescent devices. These intermediaries act as electromagnetic shields that block interference signals while allowing the integrated structure to remain compact.
4Reliability
If traditional multi-layer textile sensor structures are used, then sensing functionality is achieved, but manufacturing time and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sensing and lighting functions into modular units that can be independently manufactured and then integrated into the textile. This modular approach allows for parallel manufacturing processes and reduces the sequential steps required compared to traditional multi-layer structures.
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 approach enables the creation of a multifunctional textile that maintains comfort and mechanical flexibility while effectively integrating sensing and lighting functions, suitable for various applications like automotive interiors, with improved printing efficiency and reduced sensor malfunctions.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor operates based in the electronic control system continuously measuring the current on each electrode to the ground in order to establish a steady-state current. When a finger or an object approaches the sensor a change occurs in the electric field, increasing the current drawn as it creates a path to the ground.
Implementation Method 2
When a finger or an object approaches the sensor a change occurs in the electric field, increasing the current drawn as it creates a path to the ground.
Implementation Method 3
The introduction of lighting capabilities is made possible by using two possible types of devices, namely, electroluminescent devices or LEDs.
Implementation Method 4
The introduction of lighting capabilities is made possible by using two possible types of devices, namely, electroluminescent devices or LEDs.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application describes the creation of a flexible textile structure with sensing and lighting capabilities without the loss of important features of a typical textile, for instance, comfort, seamless and mechanical flexibility. As sensing applications are described three different approaches that may or may not work together in the same system: a directly printed self-capacitive sensor, a knitted textile sensor and the integration of temperature/humidity bulk capacitive sensors directly on the textile. As lighting applications for decorative and signage purposes are used two different approaches that could work individually or together: an electroluminescent sensing device and the use of a hybrid sensor that includes the use of SMD LEDs and a printed self-capacitive sensor. The sensing and lighting applications previously described can be used, as an example, inside an automobile passenger compartment since they are easily integrated on seats with different geometries, armrests and central panels to substitute common mechanical buttons and sensing devices, and create a cleaner and seamless environment, following current tendencies in car interiors.