Fluid Dielectric Touch Panel for Flexible 3D Pressure Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current touch panel technologies face challenges in accurately detecting pressure on flexible devices, particularly in achieving three-dimensional touch detection without the use of fixed metal frames, which complicates the integration of pressure-sensitive features in flexible touch panels.

Innovation Solution

A touch panel design incorporating a dielectric layer with a fluid dielectric layer and a solid dielectric layer, where the fluid dielectric layer has a higher dielectric constant than the solid layer, allowing fluid to flow under pressure and change capacitance between touch electrodes and a conductive layer, enabling pressure detection by varying capacitance ratios.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a fixed metal frame is used for pressure detection, then pressure detection accuracy is improved, but device flexibility and integration into flexible touch panels deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure detection accuracyVSAvoiddevice flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical fixed metal frame pressure detection system with an electrical field-based detection system. The pressure detection is achieved by measuring changes in electrical field distribution caused by dielectric constant variations when pressure is applied, eliminating the need for rigid mechanical structures and enabling integration into flexible touch panels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes changes in dielectric constant as a parameter to detect pressure. When pressure is applied to the touch panel, the dielectric constant of the material changes, which alters the electrical field distribution. By measuring these parameter changes in the electrical field, the system can detect pressure accurately while maintaining flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If traditional capacitive touch technology is used, then touch position detection is achieved, but three-dimensional pressure detection capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetouch position detection accuracyVSAvoidthree-dimensional touch detection capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the capacitive touch electrode array serve multiple functions: it simultaneously detects both two-dimensional touch position and three-dimensional pressure information. By analyzing the electrical field distribution changes caused by pressure, the system extracts pressure magnitude and depth information from the same electrode array used for position detection, achieving multi-functional capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from electrical field distribution changes to determine pressure characteristics. When pressure is applied, it causes specific changes in the electrical field that are detected by the electrode array. This feedback information is processed to calculate pressure magnitude and depth, enabling three-dimensional touch detection without additional sensors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 allows for accurate and flexible pressure detection on touch panels, enhancing human-computer interaction by enabling three-dimensional touch detection without the need for fixed metal frames, thus improving the functionality and usability of flexible touch panels.

Implementation Method 1

a fluid in the fluid dielectric layer being configured to flow under a touch pressure to change the capacitance between the touch electrode layer and the conductive layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Implementation Method 2

configured to form capacitance with the touch electrode layer... change the capacitance between the touch electrode layer and the conductive layer... a capacitance variation being used to determine the touch pressure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS11231821B2Touch panel and pressure touch detection method thereof, and touch apparatus

Publication Date: 2022.01.25 BEIJING BOE OPTOELECTRONCIS TECH CO LTD

AI summary

A touch panel, a touch apparatus and a pressure touch detection method thereof. The touch panel includes: a touch electrode layer; a conductive layer, disposed opposite to the touch substrate and configured to form capacitance with the touch electrode layer; a dielectric layer, located between the touch electrode layer and the conductive layer, the dielectric layer includes a fluid dielectric layer and a solid dielectric layer, and the fluid dielectric layer has a dielectric constant larger than a dielectric constant of the solid dielectric layer, and a fluid in the fluid dielectric layer is configured to flow under the touch pressure to change the dielectric constant of the dielectric layer, so that the capacitance between the touch electrode layer and the conductive layer at the touch position and in the peripheral region of the touch position changes.