Pressure Sensor Integrated into Touch Electrode Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to create a display apparatus that can sense pressure as an external input without increasing manufacturing costs and while minimizing the visual recognition of the pressure sensor, ensuring sufficient sensitivity and integrating it into a non-display area to provide an effect similar to a physical button.
Innovation Solution
The display apparatus incorporates a touch sensing unit with a pressure sensor formed using a process that minimizes additional processing steps, where the pressure sensor is disposed between the base layer and the window member, utilizing transmission and sensing pressure electrodes with piezoresistive patterns, and is integrated into the display panel's structure to sense pressure in the non-display area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pressure sensor is attached as a separate module inside the display apparatus, then pressure sensing capability is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor is merged with the touch sensor to form an integrated touch sensing unit. The pressure sensor shares the same substrate and electrode structures with the touch sensor, eliminating the need for separate module attachment and reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining pressure sensing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The touch sensing unit is designed to perform multiple functions: both touch sensing and pressure sensing. By making the sensor system universal, it can detect different types of user inputs (touch and pressure) without requiring separate dedicated modules for each function
2Measurement precision
If the pressure sensor is disposed in a position that ensures sufficient sensitivity, then sensing performance is improved, but the sensor may be visually recognized by the user
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor is specifically disposed in the non-display area where visual appearance is not critical, but pressure sensing is still effective. This local placement strategy allows the sensor to maintain sufficient sensitivity while being hidden from user view, avoiding the harmful effect of visual recognition
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure sensor utilizes the non-display area dimension of the display apparatus. By placing the sensor in this spatial dimension that is not visible to users, the invention achieves both sensitivity requirements and aesthetic requirements simultaneously
3Reliability
If the pressure sensor uses a separate formation process, then sensing functionality is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor and touch sensor are formed using the same manufacturing processes and materials. The piezoresistive pattern, electrodes, and substrate structures are integrated into the existing touch sensor fabrication workflow, eliminating the need for separate formation processes and reducing overall manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor structure is designed to be universal, serving both touch and pressure sensing functions. This universality allows a single formation process to create a multi-functional sensor system, reducing the number of distinct manufacturing steps required
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
This solution allows for cost-effective and sensitive pressure sensing in the non-display area, providing an effect similar to a physical button without increasing manufacturing costs and enhancing user interaction.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoresistive pattern contacting each of the transmission pressure electrode and the sensing pressure electrode
Data Source
AI summary
A display apparatus includes a display panel and a touch sensing unit disposed on the display panel. The touch sensing unit includes a touch sensor and a first pressure sensor. The touch sensor includes a first touch electrode layer and a second touch electrode layer disposed on the first touch electrode layer. The first pressure sensor includes: a transmission pressure electrode, a sensing pressure electrode separated from the transmission pressure electrode, and a piezoresistive pattern contacting each of the transmission pressure electrode and the sensing pressure electrode. Each of the transmission pressure electrode and the sensing pressure electrode is disposed in a same layer as any one of the first touch electrode layer and the second touch electrode layer.