Conductive Shielded Wire Layout for Remote Capacitive Touch Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touch sensors face signal attenuation and false detection issues when placed remotely from their controllers due to electric field coupling with conductive objects, affecting the integrity of touch and proximity measurements.
Innovation Solution
The use of a conductive shield to shape the electric field generated by the conductive wire in the coaxial cable, opposing and reducing the electric field extension into external objects, thereby minimizing signal attenuation and false detections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the touch sensor is placed remotely from the controller, then the ease of operation and device flexibility are improved, but signal attenuation and false detections occur due to electric field coupling with external conductive objects
Solution Approach 1:
A driven shield is introduced as an intermediary component between the conductive wire and external conductive objects. The driven shield is positioned around the conductive wire and actively driven with a signal to create an opposing electric field that cancels the field extending from the wire, thereby preventing coupling with external objects while allowing remote sensor placement
Solution Approach 2:
The driven shield applies a preliminary opposing electric field in advance to counteract the electric field from the conductive wire before it can couple with external conductive objects. By driving the shield with a signal that creates an opposite field, the system preemptively neutralizes the harmful field extension, preventing signal attenuation and false detections
2Measurement precision
If the electric field extends into external conductive objects, then the proximity sensing range is improved, but false detections and signal attenuation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The driven shield acts as an intermediary that selectively manages electric field extension. It allows the field to extend sufficiently for legitimate proximity detection while simultaneously creating an opposing field that prevents uncontrolled coupling with external conductive objects, thereby eliminating false detections while preserving genuine proximity sensing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the electrical parameters of the shield by actively driving it with a controlled signal. This dynamic parameter adjustment allows the shield to modulate the electric field characteristics, creating conditions where legitimate proximity signals can be detected while harmful couplings are suppressed
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 reliable touch and proximity detection even when the touch sensor is remotely located from the controller, reducing signal loss and preventing false inputs from external conductive objects, thus enhancing the accuracy and integrity of touch measurements.
Implementation Method 1
A conductive shield may be configured to generate an electrical field in response to receiving a drive signal. The electrical field generated by the conductive shield may shape the electrical field of the conductive wire such that one or more portions of the electric field do not extend as far as they would in the absence of the electric field of the conductive wire
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a method comprises generating, by a control unit, a first drive signal and a second drive signal. The method further comprises emitting, by a conductive wire coupled to a capacitive touch sensor, a first electric field that extends in a plurality of directions in response to reception of the first drive signal. The method further comprises shaping, by a conductive shield that surrounds the conductive wire, at least a portion of the first electric field that extends from the capacitive touch sensor towards the conductive shield by generating a second electric field in response to reception of the second drive signal.