Interlocking Sensor Pattern for Tactile Input Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tactile input devices, such as touchpads, face challenges in accurately detecting and translating finger motion and position due to limited sensitive areas and difficulty in distinguishing between horizontal and vertical movements, leading to suboptimal user interaction.
Innovation Solution
A tactile sensor pattern featuring a plurality of first and second sensing elements arranged in rows and columns, respectively, with interlocking vertical elements and copper etching formation, allowing for enhanced capacitive coupling and improved surface sensitivity through a controller interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensing elements are arranged in a simple grid pattern, then the device structure is simple, but the number of sensitive areas is limited and positioning precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing surface is segmented into multiple interlocking patterns of first and second sensing elements arranged in rows and columns. This segmentation creates numerous discrete sensitive areas that can independently detect finger placement, thereby increasing measurement precision without requiring a single complex sensing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a second layer of sensing elements vertically aligned with the first layer, creating a three-dimensional interlocking pattern. This dimensional addition increases the number of sensitive areas and improves positioning detection precision while maintaining a manageable structural complexity through systematic arrangement.
2Measurement precision
If sensing elements are arranged to increase sensitive areas, then positioning precision is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing surface is divided into multiple discrete first and second sensing elements arranged in systematic rows and columns. This segmentation creates numerous sensitive areas for precise position detection while the systematic arrangement keeps the overall structure manageable and manufacturable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines first sensing elements arranged in rows with second sensing elements arranged in columns to form an interlocking pattern. This merging of two simple patterns creates a complex sensing network that increases position detection precision while leveraging the simplicity of individual row and column arrangements.
3Reliability
If traditional sensor patterns are used, then manufacturing is simple, but loop-back effects occur and reduce detection accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a vertical dimension by placing second sensing elements on a second layer that are vertically aligned with first sensing elements on the first layer. This three-dimensional interlocking pattern eliminates loop-back effects and improves detection accuracy while maintaining ease of manufacture through systematic layer construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlocking pattern of first and second sensing elements acts as an intermediary structure that prevents direct signal loop-back paths. The systematic arrangement of rows and columns provides clear signal pathways that improve detection accuracy while remaining compatible with standard manufacturing processes.
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 sensor pattern increases the number of sensitive areas on the tactile input device, enabling more precise finger placement and positioning detection, and reduces loop-back effects, thus enhancing user interaction with improved cursor control and gesture recognition.
Implementation Method 1
A tactile sensor pattern featuring a plurality of first and second sensing elements arranged in rows and columns, respectively, with interlocking vertical elements and copper etching formation, allowing for enhanced capacitive coupling and improved surface sensitivity through a controller interface.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
A tactile sensor includes a plurality of first sensing elements that are arranged in a plurality of rows on a first layer and a plurality of second sensing elements that are vertically aligned in a plurality of columns on the first layer. The second sensing elements in each column are electrically connected together and each of the plurality of columns are separate conductors from one another. The plurality of second sensing elements include a plurality of vertical elements that form an interlocking pattern with the plurality of first sensing elements.