Piezoelectric Pressure Sensor for Side-Edge Press Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In flexible electronic devices with rounded edges, there is limited space on the side surface for forming a physical switch to detect pressing operations, making it difficult to accommodate a pressing operation without increasing the device's thickness.
Innovation Solution
A pressure sensor using a piezoelectric film with both flat and curved parts, where different outputs are generated based on the location of the pressing operation, allowing detection of pressing on the side surface without a physical switch by deforming differently when pressed on the flat or curved parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a physical switch is formed on the side surface to detect pressing operations, then pressing operation detection capability is improved, but the device thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The piezoelectric film serves multiple functions: it acts as both the sensing element for pressing operations and as part of the structural assembly. By integrating the pressure sensing function into the existing piezoelectric assembly rather than adding a separate physical switch, the device maintains its thickness while gaining pressing detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing operation detection function is merged with the existing piezoelectric film assembly. The same piezoelectric film that converts mechanical stress to electrical signals is used to detect pressing operations, eliminating the need for a separate physical switch component that would increase device thickness.
2Ease of operation
If a physical switch is formed on the side surface, then pressing operation detection capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The piezoelectric film is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - serving as both the acoustic sensor element and the pressure detection element. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate physical switch components, thereby reducing device structural complexity while maintaining pressing detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing detection function is combined with the existing piezoelectric assembly structure. By using the same piezoelectric film for both acoustic sensing and pressure detection, the invention avoids adding separate mechanical switch components, thus reducing overall device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the piezoelectric film is made flexible to accommodate curved edges, then adaptability to curved designs is improved, but the precision of pressing operation detection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The piezoelectric film is designed with different local properties - it can be curved in certain areas to match the device housing contours while maintaining flat, rigid sections where pressing operations are detected. This local differentiation allows the film to adapt to curved designs overall while preserving detection precision in specific functional areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The piezoelectric film can be divided into different functional zones - curved portions that adapt to the housing shape and flat portions that provide precise pressing detection. This segmentation allows the film to simultaneously achieve adaptability to curved designs and maintain measurement precision where needed.
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 detection of pressing operations on the side surface of electronic devices without the need for a physical switch, maintaining the device's thickness and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
A pressure sensor of the present invention includes a piezoelectric film having a flat part and a curved part and having opposed first and second main surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure sensor that includes a piezoelectric film having a flat part and a curved part and having opposed first and second main surfaces, a first electrode on the first main surface of the piezoelectric film, and a second electrode on the second main surfaces of the piezoelectric film. When the flat part of the piezoelectric film receives a pressing operation a first output is generated, and when the curved part of the piezoelectric film receives a pressing operation a second output different from the first output is generated.