Force Sensing Device Elastic Layer Electrode Distance Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid crystal display devices with force sensing capabilities face variations in inter-electrode distance due to manufacturing errors, leading to inconsistent force sensing capabilities and high defective work costs, as defects can only be inspected after the entire device is completed, requiring whole device discard or repair.
Innovation Solution
A force sensing device comprising a first insulating layer, a first electrode layer, a second electrode layer opposed to the first, and an elastic layer between them, allowing for precise capacitance-based pressing force sensing without direct contact, enabling separate inspection and reducing manufacturing errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multi-layer constituent members are used between electrodes in a complete display device, then the device structure is more complete and functional, but variations in inter-electrode distance occur due to manufacturing errors, leading to inconsistent force sensing capability
Solution Approach 1:
The force sensing device is separated from the display device into an independent module. This segmentation allows the force sensing device to be manufactured and inspected separately, eliminating the influence of display device manufacturing variations on force sensing performance. The elastic layer with electrodes can be produced with controlled thickness without being affected by subsequent assembly of light guides and optical sheets.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic layer serves as an intermediary component that provides a stable, controlled distance between the first and second electrodes. Its predetermined thickness acts as a mediator that compensates for manufacturing variations that would otherwise occur in the complete display device assembly, ensuring consistent capacitance values for force sensing.
2Reliability
If force sensing inspection is performed only after complete device assembly, then all components are present for testing, but the entire device must be discarded or repaired if force sensing defects occur, increasing defective work cost
Solution Approach 1:
The force sensing device is manufactured and inspected before being integrated into the complete display device. This preliminary action allows for early detection of force sensing defects, enabling replacement of only the defective force sensing module rather than the entire display device, thereby reducing defective work cost.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the force sensing device as a separate module, independent inspection and testing can be performed on the force sensing function before final assembly. This enables selective replacement of only the defective component rather than the entire device.
3Measurement precision
If electrodes are placed close to each other for sensitive force detection, then sensing capability is improved, but direct contact between electrodes may occur causing short circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic layer acts as a flexible thin film that maintains a controlled gap between the first and second electrodes. This flexible barrier allows the electrodes to be positioned close together for sensitive force detection while preventing direct contact and short circuits, as the elastic layer deforms under pressure without allowing electrode contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic layer serves as an intermediary barrier between the first and second electrodes, enabling them to be positioned in close proximity for sensitive force sensing while preventing direct contact. The elastic material provides mechanical separation that maintains reliability even when electrodes are close together.
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 effectively reduces variations in electrode distance, allows for standalone inspection of the force sensing function, and minimizes defective work costs by enabling separate testing and repair of the force sensing device, improving sensing accuracy and reducing waste.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic layer held between one or both of the first insulating layer and the first electrode layer, and the second electrode layer, and configured to prevent the first and second electrode layers from coming into contact with each other even while allowing the first and second electrode layers to get close to each other
Implementation Method 2
the pressing force is sensed on the basis of a variation in the capacitance between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a force sensing device includes a first insulating layer, a first electrode layer on the first insulating layer, a second electrode layer provided in opposition to the first electrode layer, and an elastic layer held between one or both of the first insulating layer and the first electrode layer, and the second electrode layer, and configured to prevent the first and second electrode layers from coming into contact with each other even while allowing the first and second electrode layers to get close to each other. When the first electrode layer or the second electrode layer is pressed, the pressing force is sensed on the basis of a variation in the capacitance between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer.