Self-Powered Touch Sensor Electrode Grid for Precise Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sensor devices require an external power source, limiting their application range and functionality due to their need for external energy to operate effectively.
Innovation Solution
A sensor device that generates self-powered induced charge through a substrate with intersecting electrodes and a contact layer, allowing for flexibility, transparency, and a thin structure without requiring an external power source, and achieving higher electrode density and sensitivity through precise electrode arrangement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional sensor devices use external power source, then they can operate normally, but their application range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device generates its own power through piezoelectric effect. The piezoelectric layer converts mechanical stress from touch or pressure directly into electrical energy, eliminating the need for external power sources. This self-powered mechanism enables the sensor to operate independently, significantly extending its application range to remote or portable devices where external power is unavailable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the conventional electrical power supply system with a mechanical energy conversion system. Instead of using batteries or external power sources, the sensor utilizes mechanical stress applied to the piezoelectric material to generate the necessary electrical signals for operation, substituting a complex power supply infrastructure with a simple mechanical energy harvesting mechanism.
2Measurement precision
If electrode density is increased for precise sensitivity, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode system is segmented into two perpendicular sets: first electrodes extending in a first direction and second electrodes extending in a second direction. This segmentation creates multiple intersection regions that can independently detect touch events. By dividing the sensing area into orthogonal electrode pairs, the system achieves high measurement precision through multiple detection points without requiring a dense grid of individual electrodes, thus reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimensional electrode arrangement to a two-dimensional orthogonal network. The first electrodes and second electrodes are arranged perpendicular to each other, creating intersection regions that form a grid pattern. This dimensional approach allows precise localization of touch events at intersections while using fewer total electrodes compared to a traditional single-directional array, effectively improving sensitivity without proportionally increasing 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
Enables extended application range and precise sensitivity without external power, with a thinner structure compared to conventional devices, and allows for precise touch sensing through induced current or voltage generation.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric layer, and a contact layer. The first electrodes and the second electrodes are located on at least one of surfaces of the substrate
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor device and a method of fabricating the same are provided. The sensor device includes a substrate, a plurality of first electrodes, a plurality of second electrodes, a plurality of sensor units, and a contact layer. The first electrodes and the second electrodes are located on at least one of surfaces of the substrate. The first electrodes are arranged along a first direction and extended along a second direction, and the second electrodes are arranged along the second direction and extended along the first direction. A plurality of intersection regions are formed by a projection of the first electrodes and the second electrodes onto the substrate. The sensor units are electrically connected to each of the first electrodes and each of the second electrodes respectively. The contact layer is located on at least the first electrodes or the second electrodes.