Integrated Antenna Capacitor for Touch Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Capacitive touch sensors in electronic devices, such as audio devices, face challenges in reducing size and cost while maintaining effective capacitive sensing capabilities, as they typically require additional components like separate reference plates, which increase complexity and size.
Innovation Solution
A capacitive touch sensor design that incorporates an antenna acting as both a reference node and a capacitive plate, eliminating the need for an additional reference plate by using the antenna as a ground electrode, thereby reducing device size and cost, and utilizing sensing circuitry to determine capacitance based on applied voltages and currents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate reference plate is used in capacitive touch sensors, then sensing capability is maintained, but device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the antenna and reference plate into a single integrated component. The antenna structure serves dual purposes: it functions as both the radiating element for wireless communication and as the reference plate for capacitive touch sensing, thereby reducing component count while maintaining sensing reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as an electromagnetic radiation element for wireless signals and as a capacitive reference electrode for touch detection. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate reference plate, reducing device complexity without compromising sensing capability
2Measurement precision
If additional reference plate components are added to capacitive touch sensors, then sensing accuracy is maintained, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the antenna and reference plate into one integrated structure, the patent reduces the number of discrete components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This integration simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces material costs while preserving the capacitive coupling necessary for accurate touch detection
3Device complexity
If the antenna is used as both ground electrode and antenna, then device size is reduced, but electromagnetic interference may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different functional characteristics to different parts of the integrated antenna structure. Specific regions of the antenna are optimized for electromagnetic radiation while other regions are configured to serve as effective capacitive plates, allowing both functions to coexist with minimal interference through localized functional differentiation
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
This design enables efficient detection of capacitive touch inputs in audio devices, allowing for reduced size and cost while maintaining robust sensing capabilities, with the antenna acting as both a ground electrode and a component for electromagnetic signal transmission/reception.
Implementation Method 1
determine a capacitance between the first plate and the antenna... determining, by the sensing circuitry, the capacitance between the first plate and the antenna is based on the at least one of the first voltage and the current applied to the first plate
Implementation Method 2
generating an electrical field between the first plate and the antenna based on the first voltage
Data Source
AI summary
According to one example of the disclosure, a device comprises an antenna, a capacitor including a first plate having a first voltage, and the antenna having a second voltage, and sensing circuitry coupled to the first plate and configured to apply the first voltage to the first plate, determine a capacitance between the first plate and the antenna, and identify, based on the capacitance, a capacitive touch input.