Piezo Touch Sensor Assembly for Metallic Appliance Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
It is challenging to integrate a reliable touch sensor on metallic refrigerator doors due to issues with static electricity leakage and the difficulty in applying constant pressure-type buttons, which affects the aesthetic appeal and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A touch sensor assembly is designed with a touch board, holder, and piezo disc configuration that allows for elastic movement and secure attachment to a metallic panel, using adhesive members and a guide board to ensure sensitivity and durability, enabling reliable touch input detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a button of electrostatic touch type is applied to a metallic refrigerator door, then touch input functionality is achieved, but static electricity leakage occurs reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
A non-conductive intermediate layer (adhesive layer or insulating coating) is introduced between the metallic door surface and the electrostatic touch button. This intermediary prevents direct electrical contact that causes static leakage while still allowing the button to function, thereby resolving the contradiction between achieving touch functionality and preventing static electricity leakage on metallic surfaces.
2Ease of operation
If a button of constant pressure type is applied to a metallic refrigerator door, then touch input functionality is achieved, but the rigid metallic panel makes it difficult to apply due to resistance to flexure
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid metallic door surface is combined with a flexible intermediate layer that can deform under pressure. This dynamic approach allows the constant pressure button to function by enabling the intermediate layer to flex and return to its original shape, thereby resolving the contradiction between achieving constant pressure functionality and the rigidity of metallic panels.
3Reliability
If a touch sensor assembly is integrated onto a metallic panel, then touch input detection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components required
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into a single integrated assembly: the adhesive layer serves both as a bonding agent to attach the touch button to the metallic door and as an insulating layer to prevent static leakage; the reinforcing structure provides both mechanical support and flexibility. This merging reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining reliability, thereby resolving the contradiction between improved reliability and reduced device complexity.
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 provides a high-sensitivity and durable touch sensor assembly that can be easily manufactured and securely attached to metallic panels, enhancing the reliability of touch input detection while maintaining a sleek aesthetic appearance.
Implementation Method 1
a piezo disc having a first electrode and a second electrode, the piezo disc configured to be inserted in the receiving portion of the holder and contact the pressing portion
Data Source
AI summary
An appliance that includes: a front panel having a touch point; a touch board including: a first side attached to a location on a rear surface of the front panel, the location corresponding to the touch point; a second side opposite to the first side; a pressing portion; and one or more holes defined around the pressing portion and configured to enable an elastic movement of the pressing portion; a holder that is attached to the second side of the touch board, the holder having a receiving portion; a piezo disc configured to be inserted in the receiving portion of the holder and contact the pressing portion; a guide board having a seating hole configured to receive the holder and the piezo disc; and a first adhesive member attached to the first side of the touch board and configured to attach to the rear surface of the front panel.