Thin-film switch with integrated triggering portions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thin-film switches have a complex production process and high costs due to the need for dual conducting layers and additional insulating layers to prevent short circuits, which complicates the manufacturing and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A thin-film switch design with an insulating layer between the conducting layers, where one layer includes a conducting circuit and triggering portions, and the other layer has a conductor that contacts both triggering portions upon deformation, simplifying the structure and eliminating the need for jumper wires and insulating layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If both upper and lower conducting layers are provided with triggering portions and circuits, then the switch can be turned on, but the production process becomes complicated and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the circuit and triggering portions into a single conducting layer (either upper or lower), eliminating the need for separate circuits in both layers. The deformed layer's conductor directly contacts the triggering portions, simplifying the structure while maintaining reliable conduction functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformed conducting layer serves multiple functions: it provides the conductor for electrical contact and simultaneously acts as the structural element that deforms to enable the switch. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed.
2Reliability
If insulating layer and jumper wire are arranged to avoid short circuit, then short circuit is prevented, but the production process is complicated and yield is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the insulating layer and jumper wire from the structure by redesigning the conducting layer to inherently prevent short circuits through its deformation mechanism, simplifying the production process and improving yield.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformed conducting layer itself provides the insulation function by maintaining proper spacing and contact geometry, eliminating the need for separate insulating components. The structure is self-sufficient in preventing short circuits.
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 production process, reduces costs, and enhances reliability by ensuring proper contact between anode and cathode triggering portions, reducing the risk of short circuits and improving yield.
Implementation Method 1
The upper conducting layer is deformed when pressing the thin-film switch, so that the conductor contacts with both the anode triggering portion and the cathode triggering portion at the same time
Data Source
AI summary
A thin-film switch includes an upper conducting layer, a lower conducting layer and an insulating layer, wherein the insulating layer is located between the upper conducting layer and the lower conducting layer, one of the upper conducting layer and the lower conducting layer includes a conducting circuit layer and an anode triggering portion and a cathode triggering portion that are arranged on the conducting circuit layer, the other layer includes a first base material and a conductor that is arranged on the first base material and is conducted with the anode triggering portion and the cathode triggering portion. Both the anode triggering portion and the cathode triggering portion are arranged on the upper conducting layer or the lower conducting layer at the same time, the corresponding lower conducting layer or upper conducting layer is provided with the conductor with a conducting function, the conductor contacts with both the anode triggering portion and the cathode triggering portion at the same time when pressing the thin-film switch, both the anode and the cathode are conducted, and the switch is on.