Pressure Sensing Element With Defect Detection Layer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current display devices lack an effective method to accurately detect defects in pressure sensing elements and maintain durability in high-temperature and high-humidity environments, while also enhancing aesthetic appeal by replacing physical buttons with pressure sensing technology.

Innovation Solution

A pressure sensing element is designed with a specific structure comprising a first base, transmitting and receiving electrodes, main and sub-pressure sensing layers, and a second base, where the sub-pressure sensing layer makes contact with the electrodes without overlapping the main layer, and includes a sealing member and a hydrophobic coating layer to improve durability and sensitivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If physical buttons are arranged at the outer portion of the display device, then control signal input is enabled, but aesthetic appeal is reduced and the device appears bulky

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol signal inputVSAvoidaesthetic appeal

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical mechanical buttons with a pressure sensing element that detects touch inputs through electrical field changes. The pressure sensing element includes a first base, first transmitting electrode, first receiving electrode, first main pressure sensing layer, first sub-pressure sensing layer, and second base, which together enable button functionality without mechanical protrusions, thus improving aesthetic appeal while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Shape

If a pressure sensing element is used to replace physical buttons, then aesthetic appeal is enhanced, but accurate defect detection becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic appealVSAvoiddefect detection

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure sensing element is divided into multiple functional layers including a first main pressure sensing layer and a first sub-pressure sensing layer. The sub-pressure sensing layer is disposed to make contact with the first transmitting electrode and first receiving electrode without overlapping the main pressure sensing layer when viewed in plan view. This segmentation enables independent defect detection capability while maintaining the integrated aesthetic design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first sub-pressure sensing layer acts as an intermediary element between the first transmitting electrode and first receiving electrode. It makes contact with both electrodes without overlapping the main pressure sensing layer, enabling defect detection through electrical connection while allowing the main pressure sensing layer to function independently for pressure sensing, thus solving both aesthetic and detection requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the pressure sensing element operates in high-temperature and high-humidity environments, then versatility is improved, but durability and reliability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental adaptabilityVSAvoiddurability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure sensing element employs composite material structures including multiple layers with different functional properties. The first main pressure sensing layer and first sub-pressure sensing layer are composed of materials selected for their stability under varying temperature and humidity conditions. This composite structure enables the device to maintain reliability in harsh environments while expanding its operational versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 accurate detection of defects in pressure sensing elements, maintains durability in harsh environments, and enhances the aesthetic appeal of display devices by eliminating physical buttons, while ensuring reliable operation and resistance to temperature and humidity variations.

Implementation Method 1

The first sub-pressure sensing layer is disposed on the first transmitting electrode and the first receiving electrode and makes contact with the first transmitting electrode and the first receiving electrode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

The coating layer may include a hydrophobic material. The hydrophobic material may include at least one of fluorine (F) and silicon (Si)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrophobic effect: Hydrophobe

Data Source

PatentUS10795525B2Pressure sensing element and display device having the same

Publication Date: 2020.10.06 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

A display device includes a pressure sensing element. The pressure sensing element senses a pressure input applied thereto from the outside, and the display device is controlled based on the sensed pressure input. The pressure sensing element includes a contact sensing area to sense the pressure input and a defect sensing area to sense a defect. The pressure sensing element measures a resistance value in the defect sensing area and identifies whether at least one of lines of the pressure sensing element is disconnected.