Piezoelectric Capacitor Assembly for Large-Area Touch and Haptic Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing MEMS technologies face limitations in enabling touch-sensing over larger areas and concurrently performing force-measuring and haptic functionalities, which are desirable in various applications.
Innovation Solution
A system incorporating a piezoelectric capacitor assembly with piezoelectric force-measuring elements, ultrasonic transducers, and haptic transmitters, coupled with signal processing circuitry, allowing the capacitors to function as force-measuring elements, ultrasonic transducers, and haptic devices, enabling touch-sensing and force-measurement across a broader area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If MEMS chips are used for touch sensing, then touch detection capability is provided, but the sensing area is limited to the chip lateral area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the piezoelectric capacitor assembly multi-functional by enabling it to perform force-measuring, touch-sensing, and haptic functionalities through software configuration of the same physical capacitors. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby expanding the sensing area without proportionally increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional MEMS chip arrays to three-dimensional piezoelectric capacitor assemblies that can be stacked or arranged in multiple layers. This vertical dimensionality change enables coverage of larger areas while maintaining a compact form factor and reducing the number of lateral expansion requirements
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate components are used for force-measuring, touch-sensing, and haptic functions, then each function can be optimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal piezoelectric capacitor assembly that can be dynamically configured to perform force-measuring, touch-sensing, and haptic functions through software control. The same physical capacitors serve multiple purposes depending on the operational mode, thereby achieving functional versatility without increasing physical component count or system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges previously separate force-measuring sensors, touch-sensing arrays, and haptic actuators into a single integrated piezoelectric capacitor assembly. By combining these functions into one unified structure with shared components, the system reduces overall complexity while maintaining the ability to perform all three functions independently when 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 efficient detection of touch events and force measurement over larger areas, distinguishing between different types of contacts, and providing haptic feedback, making it suitable for applications like waterproof buttons and medical devices.
Implementation Method 1
The piezoelectric capacitors include piezoelectric force-measuring elements (PFEs). The PFEs are configured to output voltage signals between the respective first electrode and the respective second electrode in accordance with a time-varying strain at the respective portion of the piezoelectric member between the respective first electrode and the respective second electrode resulting from a low-frequency mechanical deformation.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a piezoelectric capacitor assembly and signal processing circuitry coupled to the piezoelectric capacitor assembly. The piezoelectric capacitor assembly includes a piezoelectric member and piezoelectric capacitors located at respective lateral positions along the piezoelectric member. Each piezoelectric capacitor includes: (1) a respective portion of the piezoelectric member, (2) a first electrode, and (3) a second electrode. The first and second electrodes are positioned on opposite side of the piezoelectric member. The piezoelectric capacitors include piezoelectric force-measuring elements (PFEs). The PFEs are configured to output voltage signals between the respective first electrode and the respective second electrode in accordance with a time-varying strain at the respective portion of the piezoelectric member between the respective first electrode and the respective second electrode resulting from a low-frequency mechanical deformation. The signal processing circuitry is configured to read at least some of the PFE voltage signals.