Single-Layer Touch Sensor Merging Electrodes and Strain Gauges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current touch sensors for display devices can only sense touch position or pressure separately, lacking a single-layer solution that efficiently combines both functionalities.
Innovation Solution
A touch sensor design incorporating a base layer with electrode members and strain gauges in a single layer, where the strain gauge includes resistance lines and connection lines, and a Wheatstone bridge circuit for pressure sensing, along with temperature compensation, to detect both touch position and pressure simultaneously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate layers are used for touch position sensing and pressure sensing, then sensing accuracy is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines touch position sensing electrode members and pressure sensing strain gauges into a single layer structure. The strain gauges are disposed between the electrode members in the same layer, eliminating the need for separate layers while enabling both touch position and pressure sensing functions to operate simultaneously with adequate sensing accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The single layer structure serves multiple functions: the electrode members detect touch position through capacitance changes, while the strain gauges detect pressure through resistance changes. This multi-functional design allows one layer to perform both sensing tasks that traditionally required separate layers, reducing overall device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If separate layers are used for touch position sensing and pressure sensing, then sensing performance is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the touch position sensing and pressure sensing components into a single layer, the patent reduces the number of fabrication steps and material deposition processes required. The strain gauges are formed between the electrode members in the same layer using compatible manufacturing techniques, simplifying the overall production process while maintaining sensing performance.
3Device complexity
If a single layer is used for both touch position sensing and pressure sensing, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning specific functional characteristics to different regions within the single layer. The electrode members are positioned and configured optimized for touch position detection, while the strain gauges are positioned and configured optimized for pressure detection. This localized optimization ensures that each sensing function maintains high precision despite sharing the same layer.
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 design simplifies the manufacturing process, improves production efficiency, and enables the touch sensor to effectively sense both touch position and pressure in a single layer, enhancing the functionality of display devices.
Implementation Method 1
at least one strain gauge disposed on the base layer, the at least one strain gauge configured to sense a pressure of a touch input
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of electrode members disposed on the base layer, the plurality of electrode members configured to sense a touch
Data Source
AI summary
A touch sensor includes: a base layer; a plurality of electrode members disposed on the base layer, the plurality of electrode members configured to sense a touch; and at least one strain gauge disposed on the base layer, the at least one strain gauge configured to sense a pressure of a touch input, wherein the plurality of electrode members and the strain gauge are disposed in a single layer.