Structural Capacitive Element for Compact Wearable Proximity Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable electronic devices face challenges in compactly integrating durable and reliable sensors and antennas due to space constraints and exposure to varying environments, which affects their performance and durability.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a structural member with integrated capacitive proximity sensing capabilities that serves as both a sensor and an antenna, providing structural strength and durability while maximizing sensor effectiveness within the device's limited space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate sensors and antennas are integrated into wearable devices, then device functionality is improved, but device compactness and weight are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the antenna and capacitive proximity sensor into a single integrated component. The antenna structure serves dual purposes: wireless communication and proximity sensing through capacitive coupling. This merging eliminates the need for separate sensor components, thereby reducing device weight and complexity while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as both a communication antenna and a capacitive proximity sensor. By making the antenna universal, the patent eliminates redundant components, reducing overall device weight while preserving all required functionalities including wireless communication and proximity detection.
2Reliability
If multiple separate components are used for sensing and structural support, then sensing reliability is improved, but device compactness is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the structural support element with the capacitive sensing element into a single integrated component. The structural member that provides mechanical support also serves as the capacitive sensor, eliminating the need for separate sensing components and reducing device volume while maintaining sensing reliability through the inherent capacitive properties of the structural element.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural member is designed to fulfill multiple roles simultaneously: providing mechanical support and enabling capacitive proximity sensing. This multi-functional design reduces the number of components needed, thereby decreasing device volume while maintaining both structural integrity and sensing reliability.
3Weight of moving object
If compact design is implemented, then device portability is improved, but component durability in varying environments is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the antenna and proximity sensor into a single integrated component that is inherently more robust. This merged design reduces the number of separate components that could fail, thereby improving overall system reliability and durability in varying environments while maintaining compactness and light weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated antenna-sensor component serves multiple functions within a single durable structure. By reducing component count through multi-functionality, the patent improves reliability and durability in compact wearable devices, as fewer separate components mean fewer potential failure points while maintaining portability.
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 enables compact, durable, and reliable operation of wearable devices by integrating structural and sensing functions, enhancing their ability to detect user proximity and withstand environmental variations without the need for separate components.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitive proximity sensor that includes an electronic component configured to sense when the back cover is at or near the user during use
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device can include a housing, a back cover, a structural member, and a sensing circuit. The housing can at least partially define an internal volume of the electronic device and the back cover can define at least a portion of the internal volume and be connected to the housing. The structural member can be disposed against the back cover and at least partially within the internal volume, the structural member including an electronic component. The sensing circuit can be disposed in the internal volume and electrically coupled to the electronic component. The sensing circuit can detect an amount of charge of the electronic component as part of a user proximity sensor of the electronic device.