Force Sensing Structure Using Capacitance Material Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional touch screen devices require additional force sensing components, which increase thickness and limit the miniaturization of electronic devices, as they primarily rely on position detection without effective force sensing capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A force sensing structure and device that utilizes capacitance variation to detect both proximity and applied force, incorporating a first electrode and a capacitance material layer to detect changes in capacitance, allowing for dual-mode operation without the need for extra sensors, and includes a buffer layer to prevent structural damage and enhance sensing signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If extra force touch sensors are added to conventional touch sensing modules, then force sensing capability is improved, but device thickness and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the force sensing function with the existing touch sensing module by integrating a capacitance material layer between the touch sensor and the display panel. This merging approach allows the same structural components to serve dual purposes: touch detection and force sensing, thereby eliminating the need for separate force touch sensors and avoiding increased device thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitance material layer is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a touch sensing element, a force sensing element, and a structural component. By making the touch sensing module universal and multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for additional dedicated force sensors, thus maintaining thin device profile while achieving force sensing capability.
2Length of stationary object
If conventional touch sensing is used without force sensors, then device thickness is maintained, but force detection capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The existing touch sensing module is enhanced to perform force sensing on its own without requiring external additional components. The capacitance material layer integrated into the touch sensor structure enables the module to self-detector both touch position and applied force, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for separate force sensing hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in capacitance parameters to detect both touch position and force magnitude. By monitoring capacitance variations in the capacitance material layer, the system can distinguish between different types of user interactions (touch, click, press) and measure the force applied, thereby enhancing force detection capability without adding physical thickness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If capacitance material layer is added to enable force sensing, then force detection capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The force sensing function is segmented as a separate capacitance material layer that can be independently manufactured and then integrated into the existing touch sensor structure. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing processes where the capacitance material layer can be deposited using standard semiconductor fabrication techniques, reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite adding functionality.
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
Enables the detection of proximity and applied force using a single sensor with dual-mode capabilities, reducing the thickness of the sensing module and preventing structural damage, while also improving signal strength and noise ratio.
Implementation Method 1
a first capacitance material layer disposed adjacent to the first electrode. When the object approaches the force touch sensor, the force touch sensor is configured to detect the proximity of the object according to a first capacitance change therebetween
Implementation Method 2
the first capacitance material layer may be made of piezo-capacitive material, and when the object contacts the force touch sensor and at least a portion of force is applied to first capacitance material layer, the force touch sensor is configured to detect the force applied by the object according to the second capacitance change therebetween
Data Source
AI summary
A force sensing structure and a force sensing device including the same are provided. The force sensing structure is configured to detect a proximity of an object to the force sensor from an upside and a force applied by the object to the force touch sensor. The force sensing structure includes a first electrode and a first capacitance material layer. The first capacitance material layer is disposed adjacent to the first electrode. When the object approaches the force touch sensor, the force touch sensor is configured to detect the proximity of the object according to a first capacitance variation, and when the object contacts the force sensor and deforms of the first capacitance material layer, the force touch sensor is configured to detect the force applied by the object according to a second capacitance variation.