Force Sensing via Strain Analysis in Touch Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Touch devices lack the ability to accurately determine the amount of force applied by users, which limits their functionality in providing advanced interactions with graphical user interfaces and application programs, such as differentiated actions based on lighter or more forceful touches.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a cover glass connected to a frame, featuring strain probes and a force processing module that calculates the force applied based on strain signals, allowing for precise determination of force at multiple touch locations and enabling advanced interaction capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If touch devices only detect touch position without force sensing, then the device structure remains simple, but the device cannot provide advanced interaction functions that require force information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the force sensing function with the existing touch screen structure by integrating strain probes into the support framework beneath the cover glass. This merging approach allows the device to detect both touch position and force information using a unified structural system, thereby enhancing interaction capability without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The support framework serving the cover glass is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables cover glass replacement, and acts as the sensing element for force detection through integrated strain probes. This multi-functionality allows the same structural component to serve both mechanical and sensing purposes, improving versatility while controlling complexity
2Measurement precision
If strain probes are integrated into the support framework, then force measurement precision is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The strain probes are merged with the support framework components rather than being separate additions. The framework elements themselves serve as the strain-bearing structures, and the probes are integrated into these existing components, allowing force measurement precision to improve while minimizing the increase in overall structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The support framework automatically serves as the mounting and sensing structure for the strain probes. The framework's inherent mechanical properties are utilized to transmit force to the probes, eliminating the need for separate mounting structures and reducing the overall complexity increase that would result from adding force sensing capability
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 device to provide enhanced functionality by accurately measuring force inputs, allowing for nuanced interactions and improving the effectiveness and value of touch devices.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of strain probes arranged to output a plurality of strain signals responsive to the force applied to the cover glass
Data Source
AI summary
Although embodiments have been fully described with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be noted that various changes and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are to be understood as being included within the scope of the various embodiments as defined by the appended claims. The foregoing description has broad application. Accordingly, the discussion of any embodiment is meant only to be an example and is not intended to suggest that the scope of the disclosure, including the claims, is limited to these examples.