Force-Sensing Circuitry Coplanar With Display
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Touch-sensitive displays in electronic devices can only detect touch location but not the amount of force exerted, and the trend towards thinner devices limits the space for additional components, making it challenging to integrate force-sensing capabilities.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating force-sensing circuitry that is coplanar with the display and encapsulated between glass layers, using changes in capacitance to measure input forces, allowing for both touch and force-sensitive inputs within a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If force-sensing circuitry is integrated into the display structure, then force sensing capability is improved, but device thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The force-sensing circuitry is merged with the display structure by positioning it within the same planar layer as the display and using the same encapsulants to protect both components. This integration allows force sensing functionality to be added without requiring a separate, thickness-consuming layer for the force sensor itself.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of adding force sensing capability in the vertical dimension (which would increase thickness), the patent positions the force-sensing circuitry in the same planar dimension as the display, utilizing the existing Z-axis encapsulants for protection. This dimensional repositioning allows force sensing without compromising the thin-profile design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional components are added to provide force sensing, then force measurement capability is improved, but available space for components is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The force-sensing circuitry is combined with the display assembly, sharing the same planar space and encapsulation structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate component mounting spaces that would otherwise be required for independent force sensor integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The display structure serves multiple functions: it provides visual output, houses the force-sensing circuitry, and provides protection through its encapsulants. This multi-functionality allows force sensing capability to be added without requiring dedicated separate spaces for the force sensor components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If force-sensing circuitry is positioned within the display structure, then integration is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the force-sensing circuitry with the display structure and using the same encapsulants for both components, the patent reduces the number of separate assembly steps and interfaces that would otherwise be required, thereby managing manufacturing complexity despite the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The force-sensing circuitry is segmented into discrete elements that can be independently positioned within the planar space of the display, allowing for modular integration that may simplify certain aspects of manufacturing while maintaining high integration levels.
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 estimation of force inputs alongside touch inputs, enhancing user interaction without increasing device thickness, by utilizing force-sensing circuitry that is integrated within the display's encapsulating structure.
Implementation Method 1
the force sensor is configured to measure a change in capacitance in response to an input force exerted on the display
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein generally take the form of an electronic device including a primary and secondary display; at least the secondary display is force-sensitive and further has its force-sensing circuitry in-plane with the display. The secondary display and force-sensing circuitry may be encapsulated between two glass layers that are bonded to one another by a frit. In some embodiments the force-sensing circuitry is formed from, or constitutes part of, the frit.