Multi-Sensing Electrode Stack for Flexible Device Interaction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible electronic devices with multiple sensors to detect various interactions, such as touch and deformation, face challenges in manufacturing complexity, cost, and ergonomic issues due to the need for multiple sensors that increase device weight and size.
Innovation Solution
A multi-sensing apparatus with a stack of flexible sensing electrodes, including first, second, and third sensor electrodes, insulated from each other and disposed on different layers, which determines variations in capacitance to sense touch events and deformations, allowing for a simplified sensor structure that performs multiple sensing functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors are used to detect various interactions (touch, pressure, deformation), then sensing capability is improved, but device weight and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions (touch detection, pressure detection, deformation detection) into a single sensor structure. The sensor includes a first sensing electrode, a second sensing electrode, and a third sensing electrode arranged in a stacked configuration, where the same electrode structure performs multiple sensing roles simultaneously, thereby reducing the need for separate sensors and decreasing overall device weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor structure is designed to perform multiple functions using the same components. The first and second sensing electrodes detect touch events, while the second and third sensing electrodes detect deformation events. This multi-functional design allows a single sensor assembly to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate sensors, reducing weight without compromising sensing capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors are used to detect various interactions, then sensing capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sensing functions into a single integrated sensor structure with three sensing electrodes stacked in layers. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining the ability to detect multiple interaction types including touch, pressure, and deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor employs a nested electrode configuration where the first, second, and third sensing electrodes are stacked in layers with each electrode positioned on top of the previous one. This nested arrangement allows multiple sensing functions to be integrated within a compact structure, reducing manufacturing complexity by eliminating the need for separate sensor assemblies for different sensing modalities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors are used to detect various interactions, then sensing capability is improved, but device dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar arrangement of sensors to a three-dimensional stacked configuration. The first, second, and third sensing electrodes are arranged in layers along the vertical dimension, allowing multiple sensing functions to be integrated within the same footprint area. This vertical stacking reduces the horizontal dimensions of the device while maintaining comprehensive sensing capability for touch, pressure, and deformation detection.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors are used to detect various interactions, then sensing capability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions into a single sensor assembly, reducing the total number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This consolidation lowers material costs, reduces assembly complexity, and decreases manufacturing time, thereby reducing overall production costs while maintaining the ability to detect multiple interaction types including touch, pressure, and deformation events.
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 flexible electronic devices to simultaneously detect touch events and deformations, improving manufacturing efficiency, reducing weight and size, and enhancing ergonomic appeal by integrating multiple sensing capabilities into a single, simplified sensor structure.
Implementation Method 1
determine a variation in value of a first capacitance formed between the first sensor electrode and the second sensor electrode as a first variation value; determine a second variation in value of a second capacitance formed between the second sensor electrode and the third sensor electrode as a second variation value
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a sensor configured to sense a touch event in association with the electronic device or a deformation in a physical shape of the electronic device. The sensor includes a first sensor electrode, a second sensor electrode, and a third sensor electrode. The first sensor electrode extends in a first direction. The second sensor electrode extends in a second direction different from the first direction. The second sensor electrode overlaps with the first sensor electrode in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction. The third sensor electrode extends in a fourth direction different from the second direction. The third sensor electrode overlaps with the second sensor electrode in the third direction. The first sensor electrode, the second sensor electrode, and the third sensor electrode are insulated from one another and are disposed on different layers than one another.