Multilayer Inductance Coil Layout for Pressure Sensing Haptics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for measuring pressure inputs and providing haptic responses on touch surfaces of electronic devices are limited in their ability to effectively integrate inductive methods for precise detection and feedback.

Innovation Solution

A capacitance module incorporating an inductance coil with portions deposited on multiple substrate layers, electrically connected via vias, and interacting with a magnet to provide haptic effects and detect pressure inputs by measuring changes in the distance between the coil and the magnet.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If an inductance coil is integrated into a capacitance module for pressure sensing and haptic feedback, then measurement precision and haptic response effectiveness are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure detection precisionVSAvoidmodule structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the inductance coil and capacitance module into a single integrated structure. The coil is deposited on substrate layers that are part of the capacitance module assembly, allowing both pressure sensing (through capacitance changes) and haptic feedback (through electromagnetic interaction with the magnet) to occur within one unified component rather than separate assemblies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated coil-capacitance module performs multiple functions: it acts as both a pressure sensor (detecting changes in capacitance when pressure is applied) and a haptic actuator (generating electromagnetic forces to provide tactile feedback). This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components while improving measurement precision and response effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Power

If the inductance coil is deposited on multiple substrate layers, then haptic response effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehaptic response effectivenessVSAvoidcoil deposition process

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The inductance coil is divided into multiple portions deposited on different substrate layers. This segmentation allows each layer to be manufactured and positioned independently, with the portions later connected via conductive vias. The multi-layer approach enhances haptic response by distributing the electromagnetic interaction across multiple planes, improving the overall effectiveness of the haptic feedback.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coil portions on different substrate layers are nested within the multi-layer structure, with lower layers positioned beneath upper layers. The conductive vias penetrate through the substrate layers to electrically connect the nested coil portions, creating a three-dimensional coil structure that improves magnetic field generation and haptic response effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Measurement precision

If a shield is placed between the touch electrode and the inductance coil, then capacitance sensing accuracy is improved, but electromagnetic interaction strength is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapacitance sensing accuracyVSAvoidelectromagnetic interaction strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

A conductive shield is positioned between the touch electrode and the inductance coil to serve as an electromagnetic intermediary. The shield acts as a Faraday cage to block capacitive coupling and electromagnetic interference between the electrode and coil, improving capacitance sensing accuracy. Simultaneously, the shield is designed to maintain sufficient electromagnetic interaction strength by being conductive and properly positioned, allowing the haptic feedback function to operate effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution enables precise detection of pressure inputs and effective haptic response generation, enhancing user interaction with electronic devices by providing tactile feedback that is responsive and accurate.

Implementation Method 1

The magnet may be configured to provide a haptic effect on the capacitance module by moving the inductance coil with a change in the magnetic force.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

the inductance coil may be positioned to interact with a magnet adjacent to the inductance coil

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field interaction: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS12204715B2Inductance coil of a capacitance module

Publication Date: 2025.01.21 CIRQUE CORP

AI summary

A capacitance module may include at least one touch electrode on a first surface of the capacitance module; a first portion of an inductance coil deposited on a second surface of the capacitance module; and a second portion of the inductance coil deposited on a third surface of the capacitance module where the first portion of the inductance coil and the second portion of the inductance coil may be electrically connected and where the inductance coil may be positioned to interact with a magnet adjacent to the inductance coil.