Single-Electrode Touch Sensor Using Triboelectric Self-Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touch sensors require an external power supply and are costly to manufacture, especially when applied to materials like skin or air, limiting their development and application in energy-constrained environments.
Innovation Solution
A single-electrode touch sensor with a touch layer and a sensing electrode layer connected to an equipotential source, utilizing triboelectric properties to generate signals without external power, where the touch layer can be made of various polymers and the sensing electrode layer from metals or conductive oxides, allowing for real-time touch monitoring and electricity generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional touch sensor with external power supply is used, then the sensor can operate stably, but it requires external energy supply which limits application in energy-constrained environments
Solution Approach 1:
The touch sensor is designed to generate its own operating energy through triboelectric effect during touch interaction. The sensing electrode layer and touch layer form a triboelectric generator that converts mechanical energy from user touch into electrical energy, eliminating the need for external power supply while maintaining operational stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the energy supply mode from external continuous power to self-generated intermittent power through triboelectric effect. By adjusting the triboelectric material properties and electrode configuration, the system adapts to different touch scenarios while maintaining reliable operation without external power
2Power
If a triboelectric generator with conductive metal deposit is used, then electric energy can be output, but the production cost increases and manufacturing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex multi-layer conductive metal deposition process and replaces it with a simplified single-electrode design. The sensing electrode layer is made from flexible conductive materials that can be directly applied to the touch layer without requiring precise metal deposition, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining electric energy output capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrode material parameters from rigid conductive metals requiring vacuum deposition to flexible conductive materials that can be applied through simpler processes. This includes using conductive polymers, conductive inks, or flexible metal foils that conform to the touch layer and can be manufactured using cost-effective techniques
3Stability of the object's composition
If existing touch sensor materials are used, then the sensor structure is well-defined, but it cannot be applied to materials like skin, air, and other frictional materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal touch sensor system where the sensing electrode layer can interact with diverse materials including skin, air, and various frictional materials. The touch layer is made from flexible polymers that can conform to different surfaces, and the triboelectric configuration works with any material that exhibits friction or contact, enabling broad applicability while maintaining structural stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flexible polymer films for the touch layer that can conform to various surfaces including human skin. This flexible thin film structure allows the sensor to be applied to different substrates and interact with various materials like air and frictional surfaces, greatly expanding material compatibility while maintaining a well-defined sensor structure
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 a self-driven touch sensor that can record and monitor touch actions in real-time without external power, simplifying manufacturing and enhancing its applicability in devices like mobile phones and man-machine interfaces.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing triboelectric properties to generate signals without external power
Data Source
Figure 1~2(d)
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 4a~4c
AI summary
A single-electrode touch sensor and manufacturing method thereof are disclosed. Different triboelectric properties of materials of a touch action provider and a touch layer are utilized to provide the single-electrode self-driven touch sensor. When the touch action provider applies a touch-and-separate action or a sliding action on the touch layer, an electrical signal generating mechanism will be triggered and the sensor outputs an electrical signal automatically, such that the touch action will be recorded and fed back, thereby a sensing function is realized. The single-electrode touch sensor of this disclosure may record touch actions in real time, has advantages of low cost, self-driven, simple structure and the like, and will have a wide application prospect in fields of smart electronic equipment and man-machine interfaces.