Sensor Layer for Touch and Folding Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current electronic devices lack the capability to effectively sense both touch inputs and folding/unfolding operations using a single sensor system, leading to increased complexity and manufacturing costs due to the need for separate sensors.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with a sensor layer that includes first and second electrode groups arranged in alternating patterns, allowing it to operate in both touch sensing and folding/unfolding sensing modes by adjusting the signal transmission and grounding configurations, thereby eliminating the need for a separate folding sensor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If separate sensors are used for touch sensing and folding sensing, then sensing accuracy for each function is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensing accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines touch sensing and folding sensing functions into a single sensor layer by implementing a dual-mode sensing mechanism. The sensor layer uses the same electrode structures (first and second electrode groups) to perform both touch coordinate detection and folding state detection, eliminating the need for separate sensor systems while maintaining sensing accuracy for both functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor layer is designed with universal functionality to perform multiple sensing tasks. By configuring the sensor driver to operate in different modes (touch sensing mode and folding sensing mode), the same hardware structure can detect both external touch inputs and folding/unfolding operations, reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If separate sensors are used for touch sensing and folding sensing, then sensing accuracy for each function is improved, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensing accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing costs

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges touch sensing and folding sensing into a single sensor layer manufacturing process. The same electrode patterns, trace lines, and sensor layer structure are used for both functions, eliminating the need to manufacture and assemble separate sensor components, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The universal sensor layer design allows a single manufacturing process to produce a component that serves both touch and folding sensing purposes. This multi-functionality at the component level translates to cost savings by reducing material usage, manufacturing steps, and assembly operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If a single sensor system is used for both touch sensing and folding sensing, then device complexity and manufacturing costs are reduced, but sensing capability for both functions may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidsensing capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor driver is designed with dynamic mode switching capability, allowing it to adapt its operation between touch sensing mode and folding sensing mode based on the required function. This dynamic configurability ensures that the single sensor system can effectively perform both sensing tasks with appropriate signal processing for each mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The sensing capability is maintained across different functions by changing operational parameters. The sensor driver adjusts its signal transmission and reception parameters depending on whether it is detecting touch coordinates or folding states, allowing the same hardware to achieve accurate sensing for both purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enhances touch sensitivity and reduces manufacturing costs by integrating folding and touch sensing into a single sensor system, improving the device's ability to detect input coordinates and state changes without additional hardware.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor layer above the display layer for selectively operating in a first mode for sensing a touch

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

or in a second mode for sensing folding of the display layer and the sensor layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS20240329785A1Electronic device

Publication Date: 2024.10.03 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

Disclosed is an electronic device including include a display layer in which a display region, and a non-display region adjacent to the display region, are defined, and a sensor layer above the display layer for selectively operating in a first mode for sensing a touch, or in a second mode for sensing folding of the display layer and the sensor layer, and including first electrode groups arranged in a first direction, and second electrode groups arranged in a second direction crossing the first direction, crossing the first electrode groups, and including a first electrode and a second electrode.