Magnetic Touch Simulation for Capacitive Panel Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current touch testing methods for capacitive touch devices are prone to human error and are costly, especially when using robotic arms, making them unsuitable for mass production, and require individual testing of each device, leading to increased labor and equipment costs.

Innovation Solution

A touch testing system utilizing a magnetic control mechanism with a test fixture, magnetization component, and magnetic induction component that slides along chutes to simulate touch, providing stable and accurate testing without the need for human intervention or high-cost robotic arms, allowing for simultaneous testing of multiple devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If human fingers are used to touch the touch panel for testing, then the testing can be performed simply, but the testing accuracy is poor due to human factors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting operation simplicityVSAvoidtouch testing accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical action of human fingers touching the panel with a magnetic field-based actuation system. The magnetization component generates a magnetic field that acts on the magnetic induction component, eliminating the need for physical contact while maintaining precise control over the testing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the controller and the touch panel testing mechanism. The magnetization component converts electrical signals into magnetic fields, which then act on the magnetic induction component to simulate touch actions, providing precise and repeatable testing without direct mechanical contact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If a robotic arm is used to touch the touch panel for testing, then the testing accuracy is improved, but the equipment cost becomes too high for mass production

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetouch testing accuracyVSAvoidtesting equipment cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex mechanical robotic arm system with a magnetic field-based actuation system. Instead of using expensive robotic mechanisms with sensors and controllers, the invention uses simple magnetization components that generate magnetic fields to directly actuate the magnetic induction components, dramatically reducing equipment complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs inexpensive magnetization components and magnetic induction components as replaceable test fixtures that can be easily manufactured and replaced, eliminating the need for expensive, complex robotic arms. These simple magnetic components can be produced at low cost and are sufficient for the testing function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Measurement precision

If each touch device is individually tested using traditional methods, then the testing can be performed, but the testing time is long and productivity is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetouch testing reliabilityVSAvoidtesting speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple testing functions into a single integrated system where the magnetic induction component can simultaneously test multiple touch panel locations or multiple devices. The magnetic field can be applied at different positions and the system can coordinate testing across multiple points, thereby increasing productivity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic field-based testing system allows for continuous and rapid actuation without the delays associated with mechanical robotic arm movements. The magnetic induction component can be quickly repositioned and re-actuated, enabling continuous testing cycles that significantly improve productivity compared to traditional individual testing methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 system enhances testing accuracy and stability while reducing costs by using a magnetic control mechanism to simulate touch, enabling efficient and accurate testing of capacitive touch devices without increasing labor or equipment costs, and allowing for simultaneous testing of multiple devices.

Implementation Method 1

The magnetization component is enabled according to a driving signal and thereby produces a magnetic force. The magnetic induction component is slidably disposed in the chute and inducts the magnetic force to slide along the chute

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS9035668B2Touch testing system and touch testing method thereof
Publication Date: 2015.05.19 HANNSTAR DISPLAY CORP
  • US9035668B2 patent drawing
  • US9035668B2 patent drawing
  • US9035668B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A touch testing system for a capacitive touch device and a method thereof are provided. The system includes a test fixture, at least one magnetization component, at least one magnetic induction component and a driving unit. The fixture is disposed on the touch device and has at least one chute on a position corresponding to the touching area. The magnetization component is disposed on the fixture and enabled by a driving signal to produce a magnetic force. The magnetic induction component is slidably disposed in the chute and inducts the magnetic force to slide along the chute, such that the sensing unit produces a touch testing information. The driving unit is coupled to the magnetization component and the sensing unit, provides the driving signal to enable the magnetization component and receives the touch testing information to feed back a testing result on the capacitive touch device accordingly.