Capacitive Touch Sensing via System-in-Package Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Capacitive touch sensors in electronic devices occupy significant physical space, particularly in compact devices like wearables, leading to increased footprint and manufacturing complexity, and higher costs.
Innovation Solution
Integration of capacitive touch sensing functionality using system-in-package components and batteries, where electromagnetic interference shields and battery components are utilized as part of the capacitive layer, reducing the need for dedicated touch sensor components and enabling a reduced footprint and lower manufacturing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated capacitive touch sensor components are used, then touch sensing functionality is achieved, but device footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electromagnetic interference shield and battery components with the capacitive touch sensor functionality. The shield and battery components serve dual purposes: providing their original functions (EMI shielding and power storage) while also forming part of the capacitive sensing structure, thereby eliminating the need for separate dedicated touch sensor components and reducing overall device footprint
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality by designing the electromagnetic interference shield and battery components to perform multiple functions simultaneously. These components serve as both their traditional elements (shielding and power storage) and as active elements of the capacitive touch sensor, enabling a single component to fulfill multiple roles and reduce the total number of components required
2Reliability
If dedicated capacitive touch sensor components are used, then touch sensing functionality is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into existing components (EMI shield and battery), reducing the total component count and simplifying the manufacturing process. By making these existing components serve dual purposes, the patent eliminates the need for additional dedicated touch sensor components and their associated assembly steps
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality by designing the electromagnetic interference shield and battery components to perform multiple functions simultaneously. These components serve as both their traditional elements (shielding and power storage) and as active elements of the capacitive touch sensor, enabling a single component to fulfill multiple roles and reduce the total number of components required
3Reliability
If dedicated capacitive touch sensor components are used, then touch sensing functionality is achieved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electromagnetic interference shield and battery components with the capacitive touch sensor functionality. The shield and battery components serve dual purposes: providing their original functions (EMI shielding and power storage) while also forming part of the capacitive sensing structure, thereby eliminating the need for separate dedicated touch sensor components and reducing overall device footprint
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality by designing the electromagnetic interference shield and battery components to perform multiple functions simultaneously. These components serve as both their traditional elements (shielding and power storage) and as active elements of the capacitive touch sensor, enabling a single component to fulfill multiple roles and reduce the total number of components required
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 approach allows for capacitive touch sensing with a reduced device footprint, decreased manufacturing complexity, and lower costs, while maintaining or improving performance and durability in electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
the capacitive touch sensor is configured to detect a change in capacitance via a change in electric field at the electromagnetic interference shield
Implementation Method 2
the capacitive touch sensor is configured to detect a change in capacitance via a change in electric field at the electromagnetic interference shield
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for capacitive touch sensing using system-in-package components and batteries. In one embodiment, a device may include a flexible printed circuit, a button cell electrically coupled to the flexible printed circuit, and a system-in-package that is electrically coupled to the flexible printed circuit. The system-in-package may include an electromagnetic interference shield, and a capacitive touch sensor. The capacitive touch sensor may be configured to detect a change in capacitance via a change in electric field at the electromagnetic interference shield.