Integrated Touch and Force Sensing Electrode Design

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional touch sensors and force sensors require separate configurations, leading to increased complexity and cost in integrating both functionalities into a single apparatus, making it difficult to design and costly to implement.

Innovation Solution

A detecting apparatus and display apparatus that integrates a touch detection electrode with a strain gauge, allowing for simultaneous touch detection and force measurement using a capacitive touch detection system, where the strain gauge is integrated with the touch detection electrode, enabling the detection of force applied to the display surface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate touch sensor and force sensor configurations are used, then both touch detection and force measurement functionalities are achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection functionalityVSAvoidsensor configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the touch sensor electrode and force sensor electrode into a single integrated electrode structure. The same electrode serves dual purposes: detecting touch operations through capacitive coupling and measuring force through strain-induced resistance changes. This merging eliminates the need for separate sensor configurations, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining both detection functionalities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously. It acts as both a capacitive touch detection element and a force sensing element with strain gauge characteristics. By making the electrode universal, the patent avoids the complexity of separate dedicated components for touch and force detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate touch sensor and force sensor configurations are used, then both touch detection and force measurement functionalities are achieved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection functionalityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges touch sensor and force sensor into a single integrated electrode, reducing the number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This consolidation directly lowers manufacturing costs by eliminating redundant materials, processing steps, and quality assurance requirements for separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The universal electrode design reduces manufacturing complexity and material requirements. Instead of producing and integrating separate touch sensor components and force sensor components, the manufacturer produces a single multi-functional electrode structure, thereby reducing overall manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If integrated strain gauge and touch detection electrode are used, then design is simplified and costs are reduced, but detection precision must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign complexityVSAvoiddetection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different functional characteristics to different regions or aspects of the same electrode. The electrode maintains capacitive properties for touch detection while incorporating strain gauge properties for force measurement. This local differentiation of functional quality allows the single component to achieve both simplified design and high detection precision for different measurement types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode functions as a composite sensing element, combining capacitive and resistive (strain gauge) characteristics in a single structure. This composite approach allows the electrode to simultaneously provide precise touch detection through capacitance changes and precise force measurement through resistance changes, maintaining high measurement precision while simplifying the overall design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 integrated solution simplifies the design and reduces costs by allowing for accurate detection of touch operations and force applied to the display surface, enhancing the functionality and usability of display apparatuses while minimizing component redundancy.

Implementation Method 1

a strain gauge integrated with the touch detection electrode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStrain gauge resistance change: Piezoresistive Effect

Implementation Method 2

a capacitive touch detection system, where the strain gauge is integrated with the touch detection electrode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitive touch detection: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS10635254B2Detecting apparatus and display apparatus

Publication Date: 2020.04.28 MAGNOLIA WHITE CORP

AI summary

According to an aspect, a detecting apparatus includes: a touch detection electrode provided along a touch detection surface; a strain gauge integrated with the touch detection electrode.