Stacked Force Sensing Module for Energy-Efficient Pressure Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic pens with optical sensors face battery power inefficiencies due to always-active systems, necessitating a more energy-efficient pressure sensing mechanism in a compact form factor.
Innovation Solution
A force sensing module utilizing stacked flexible circuit board based capacitors and piezo-electric or piezo-resistive materials, combined with pressure switches, to enhance signal change and reduce power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical sensors are used for pressure sensing in electronic pens, then pressure detection capability is achieved, but battery power consumption increases due to always-active system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical sensing system with a force-sensitive switch that operates on mechanical principles. The force-sensitive switch uses a movable contact that responds to applied force, eliminating the need for continuous optical sensor activation and significantly reducing power consumption while maintaining pressure detection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the pressure sensing function from the always-active optical sensor system and implements it through a force-sensitive switch that only activates when force is applied. This extraction allows the system to remain dormant during non-use periods, thereby reducing overall power consumption.
2Volume of moving object
If compact form factor is used for force sensing mechanism, then device size is reduced, but signal change magnitude decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a stacked capacitor configuration where capacitors are arranged in multiple layers vertically. This dimensional arrangement allows the force sensing mechanism to maintain a compact footprint while achieving sufficient signal change magnitude through the cumulative effect of multiple stacked capacitor elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes piezoelectric or piezoresistive materials within the force-sensitive switch structure. These materials provide high sensitivity to applied force, enabling the compact device to generate adequate signal change magnitude despite its small size.
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 provides a compact, energy-efficient force sensing mechanism with increased signal range and minimal power usage, allowing for accurate pressure detection without redundant press journeys, mimicking the operation of ordinary pens.
Implementation Method 1
A force sensing module utilizing stacked flexible circuit board based capacitors and piezo-electric or piezo-resistive materials
Implementation Method 2
A force sensing module utilizing stacked flexible circuit board based capacitors and piezo-electric or piezo-resistive materials
Implementation Method 3
A force sensing module utilizing stacked flexible circuit board based capacitors
Data Source
AI summary
A force sensing module is disclosed. One of the embodiments disclosed a first force sensor, and a second force sensor stacked on a top surface of the first force sensor; a signal processing circuit electrically coupled to the first signal force sensor and the second force sensor; when a force is applied on a top surface of the stack, a corresponding force signal is generated; wherein a strength of the force signal is related to an amount of the force applied against the stack.