Force Detection Apparatus with Composite Dielectric Layers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Force detection apparatuses struggle to accurately detect forces across a wide range due to non-linear relationships between force and signal values caused by differences in permittivity and deformation characteristics of air and cushion layers, resulting in an inflection point that disrupts linear detection.

Innovation Solution

A force detection apparatus with a configuration that includes a first electrode facing the input surface, a conductor with a reference potential, and intermediate electrodes with synchronized drive signals, utilizing a combination of air and cushion layers to maintain linear force detection across varying force ranges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If only an air layer is used between the first conductor and the second conductor, then weak force detection is favorable, but strong force cannot be detected because the air layer thickness reaches zero

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweak force detectionVSAvoiddetection range

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines air layer and cushion layer into a composite dielectric structure. The air layer (higher permittivity) detects weak forces through thickness reduction, while the cushion layer (lower permittivity) detects strong forces through elastic deformation, creating a multi-range force detection system that overcomes the limitation of single-material detectors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If a cushion layer is added between the first conductor and the second conductor, then strong force detection becomes possible, but the relationship between force and force signal value becomes non-linear due to different permittivities and deformation characteristics

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection rangeVSAvoidforce signal linearity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The detection system is segmented into two distinct detection mechanisms: one based on air layer thickness change for weak forces, and another based on cushion layer elastic deformation for strong forces. This segmentation allows each layer to operate in its optimal detection range while maintaining overall system linearity through separate signal processing paths

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the dielectric layers - specifically using air (higher permittivity) for the first layer and cushion material (lower permittivity) for the second layer. By adjusting permittivity values and layer thicknesses, the system optimizes the transition point between weak and strong force detection while maintaining linear response characteristics in each range

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple dielectric layers with different permittivities are used, then both weak and strong force detection ranges are achieved, but an inflection point occurs in the force-signal relationship

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforce detection rangeVSAvoiddetection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cushion layer acts as an intermediary between the air layer and the second conductor, mediating the force transmission. It absorbs the mechanical stress and translates it into electrical signals through controlled dielectric deformation, preventing direct contact between the air layer and the second conductor that would cause abrupt signal changes and inflection points

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 ensures continuous linear detection of forces from weak to strong inputs by managing the air and cushion layer deformations, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of force measurement.

Implementation Method 1

the capacitance between the first conductor and the second conductor is increased

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

the cushion layer is elastically deformed according to the force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

permittivity of the air layer and permittivity of the cushion layer are different

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric Permittivity: Dielectric Permittivity

Data Source

PatentUS11163411B2Force detection apparatus, display apparatus, and organic electro-luminescence display apparatus

Publication Date: 2021.11.02 MAGNOLIA WHITE CORP

AI summary

A force detection apparatus is provided and includes a first electrode facing an input surface to which an object to be detected applies force, and configured to be supplied with a reference potential; a second electrode and a third electrode facing the first electrode; a first conductor arranged between the first electrode, and the second and third electrodes, and configured to be supplied with a drive signal; a first dielectric layer arranged between the first electrode and the first conductor; and a second dielectric layer arranged between the first conductor, and the second and third electrodes, wherein the second electrode is configured to be supplied with the reference potential, and wherein a signal that is same as the drive signal is supplied in synchronization with the drive signal to the third electrode.