Optical Touch Panel Assembly for Alignment and Curvature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touch-sensitive panels face challenges in assembly complexity due to cumbersome alignment of components, signal loss from sub-optimal alignment, and uncontrolled glass warpage, which affects light path and detection, and require complex solutions to manage glass curvature in mass production.
Innovation Solution
A touch-sensitive apparatus with light emitters and detectors arranged above the touch surface, mounted to a substrate extending parallel to the normal axis of the panel, and attached to a carrier that can be adjusted along the normal axis for precise alignment and curvature control, using a sealing window for collimated light propagation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multiple components (emitters, detectors, reflectors, lenses) are used to achieve light propagation and collimation, then the optical functionality is improved, but the alignment complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical components (emitters, detectors, reflectors, and collimation lenses) into a single integrated array structure mounted on a common substrate. This merging eliminates the need for precise alignment between separate components, as they are pre-aligned through the integrated design. The array configuration allows light to propagate directly from emitters through the panel to detectors without requiring multiple intermediate optical elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a universal light propagation mechanism that serves multiple functions simultaneously: the same optical path structure enables both touch detection and curvature sensing, while the array configuration provides both spatial resolution and collimation functionality. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components for each function.
2Reliability
If precise alignment of multiple optical components is implemented to reduce signal loss, then the signal quality is improved, but the manufacturing cost and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary alignment by integrating all optical components into a pre-aligned array structure during manufacturing. The emitters, detectors, and collimation lenses are positioned relative to each other on a common substrate before final assembly, ensuring optimal alignment is achieved without requiring complex alignment procedures during system integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the optical system into modular arrays that can be manufactured and tested independently before final assembly. This segmentation allows for quality control and alignment verification at the array level, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while maintaining signal quality.
3Manufacturing precision
If complex solutions are used to control glass warpage and curvature, then the optical path stability is improved, but the production throughput is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates adjustable positioning mechanisms that allow the optical array to be dynamically adjusted to compensate for glass panel curvature variations. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the system to maintain optimal performance across different curvature conditions without requiring complex rigid structural controls, thereby preserving production throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the adjustable positioning mechanism to change the spatial parameters of the optical array relative to the glass panel, optimizing light path geometry for different curvature states. By adjusting position and orientation parameters, the system adapts to curvature variations without requiring complex structural modifications to the glass itself.
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
Facilitates easier assembly, reduces costs, improves alignment accuracy, enhances signal-to-noise ratio, and allows for controlled glass curvature, resulting in a more robust and reliable touch sensing apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
optical emitters are arranged around the periphery of a touch surface to emit light that is reflected to travel above the touch surface
Implementation Method 2
use of collimated light propagation
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A touch sensing apparatus (100) is disclosed comprising a panel (101) that defines a touch surface (102), a plurality of light emitters (103) and detectors (103') arranged along a perimeter of the panel. The light emitters are arranged to emit a respective beam of emitted light that travels above the touch surface, wherein the light detectors are arranged to receive detection light from the emitted light. The plurality of light emitters and detectors are arranged above the touch surface and are connected to a substrate (106) extending in a direction parallel with a normal axis of a plane (107) in which the panel extends. With fixing units (112), arranged at different adjustable positions (119, 119') the carrier is attached to a display (113) and the distance (120) between the panel and the display as well as the curvature of the panel are adjusted.