Membrane Switch Piezoelectric Pressure Signal Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional membrane switches can only produce on/off signals and lack the capability to provide signals corresponding to the amount of pressure applied, limiting their functionality.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an organic material showing piezoelectricity into the space between conductive parts of a membrane switch, either filled or disposed to leave an air gap, allowing for the generation of electric signals based on pressure applied, enabling the detection of pressure magnitude and distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an organic material showing piezoelectricity is filled in the space between conductive parts, then the membrane switch can generate signals corresponding to pressure amount, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the piezoelectric material filling with the existing spacer structure between conductive parts. The organic material showing piezoelectricity is integrated into the space defined by the spacer, merging the pressure-sensing function with the structural support function, thereby enabling pressure amount signal generation without adding separate complex components
Solution Approach 2:
The organic material showing piezoelectricity acts as an intermediary substance between the conductive parts. When pressure is applied, this material generates electrical signals that mediate the conversion of mechanical pressure into electrical signals corresponding to pressure magnitude, enabling the membrane switch to output multistep signals
2Measurement precision
If the membrane switch structure is modified to include piezoelectric material, then pressure detection capability is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer is pre-formed with a through-hole structure before the conductive parts are assembled. This preliminary preparation of the spacer creates a defined space that guides the subsequent filling of piezoelectric material, simplifying the manufacturing process by establishing the structural framework in advance
Solution Approach 2:
The piezoelectric material is nested within the space defined by the spacer structure. The organic material showing piezoelectricity is placed inside the through-hole of the spacer, creating a nested configuration where the sensing material is contained within the structural framework, facilitating integrated manufacturing
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 membrane switch to produce multistep signals corresponding to pressure applied, enhancing its functional capabilities and allowing for flexible mounting on curved surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
an organic material showing piezoelectricity is filled in the space, or an organic material showing piezoelectricity is disposed in the space such that an air gap is present between the organic material and one of the conductive parts
Data Source
AI summary
A membrane switch in which a first conductive part is formed on a first substrate, a second conductive part is formed on a second substrate, and the substrates are layered via a spacer such that the conductive parts face each other with a space therebetween, and an organic material showing piezoelectricity is filled, or disposed in the space such that an air gap is present, are useful for obtaining an output signal corresponding to an applied pressure.