Flexible Touch Sensing Module for Buttonless Wearable Input

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mechanical switches in wearable devices are bulky, protruding, and pose electrical shock risks, with dust-proofing and water-proofing challenges due to their structural deficiencies, making them unsuitable for thin, compact designs.

Innovation Solution

A touch sensing module featuring a flexible substrate with coil patterns and a sensing circuit, allowing for inductive or capacitive sensing without physical buttons, which can be bent or folded to fit within compact spaces and avoid electrical hazards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If mechanical switches are used in wearable devices, then switch function is achieved, but device size increases and protruding design occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitch functionVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical switch system with a capacitive sensing system. The mechanical button structure is substituted by a touch-sensitive electrode array that detects finger proximity and contact through capacitance changes, eliminating the need for physical mechanical components while maintaining switch functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs flexible printed circuit boards with thin film electrodes to create a buttonless interface. The flexible substrate allows the sensing elements to be integrated into thin device profiles without requiring the rigid structure and internal space needed for mechanical switches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Ease of operation

If mechanical switches are used, then switch function is achieved, but electrical shock risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitch functionVSAvoidelectrical shock risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical switch system with a capacitive sensing system. The mechanical button structure is substituted by a touch-sensitive electrode array that detects finger proximity and contact through capacitance changes, eliminating the need for physical mechanical components while maintaining switch functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If mechanical switches are used, then switch function is achieved, but dust-proofing and water-proofing become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitch functionVSAvoiddust-proofing and water-proofing

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical switch system with a capacitive sensing system. The mechanical button structure is substituted by a touch-sensitive electrode array that detects finger proximity and contact through capacitance changes, eliminating the need for physical mechanical components while maintaining switch functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs flexible printed circuit boards with thin film electrodes to create a buttonless interface. The flexible substrate allows the sensing elements to be integrated into thin device profiles without requiring the rigid structure and internal space needed for mechanical switches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 module enables efficient touch input detection in compact designs, enhancing safety and usability by eliminating the need for physical buttons and improving dust and water resistance.

Implementation Method 1

a coil pattern formed in at least one layer of the plurality of layers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a pad, disposed on the mounting portion of the flexible substrate, and configured to sense a change in capacitance based on an external contact

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance sensing: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS11119613B1Touch sensing module

Publication Date: 2021.09.14 SAMSUNG ELECTRO MECHANICS CO LTD

AI summary

A touch sensing module is provided. The touch sensing module includes a flexible substrate including a coil portion including a plurality of layers and one or more coil patterns formed in at least one layer of the plurality of layers, and an extension portion that extends from the coil portion, and a sensing circuit, electrically connected to the coil pattern. The extension portion is configured to have a form in which at least one of the plurality of layers is extended.