Touch Electrode Multiplexing for Force Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touch display panels can only detect touch positions and not the force applied perpendicular to the screen, limiting the range of touch operations.
Innovation Solution
A display panel with touch electrodes on one substrate and a grid-shaped pressure sensing electrode on another, where the touch electrodes are multiplexed as pressure sensing electrodes to detect touch force by measuring capacitance changes, allowing for both touch position and force detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If touch electrodes are used only for touch position detection, then the panel structure remains simple, but the panel cannot detect touch force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling touch electrodes to serve dual purposes: detecting both touch position and touch force. The same electrode structure performs different detection functions by switching between position detection mode and force detection mode, eliminating the need for separate dedicated force sensing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the electrode functionality adjustable and switchable between different modes. The system can dynamically transition from position-only detection to force detection capability, allowing the panel to adapt its sensing function based on operational requirements without physical reconfiguration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate pressure sensing electrodes are added to detect touch force, then touch force detection is achieved, but the panel structure becomes more complex and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for separate pressure sensing electrodes by making existing touch electrodes multi-functional. The same electrodes that detect touch position also serve as pressure sensing electrodes when configured in the appropriate mode, thereby reducing component count and manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent recovers and reuses the touch electrodes for force detection purposes after they have served their primary position detection function. Instead of adding new components, the system reconfigures existing electrodes to perform the additional force sensing function, effectively discarding the idea of separate dedicated components.
3Measurement precision
If multiple electrode types are used for both position and force detection, then detection accuracy improves, but the panel weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves detection accuracy without increasing weight by making the existing electrode structure multi-functional. The same physical electrodes perform both position and force detection through different operational modes, avoiding the need for additional electrode layers or separate sensing structures that would increase panel weight.
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
Enables richer touch operations by accurately detecting touch force in addition to position, simplifying the panel structure, reducing weight and manufacturing costs, and improving efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
measuring capacitance changes
Data Source
AI summary
A display panel includes a plurality of touch electrodes disposed on a first substrate, and a second pressure sensing electrode disposed on a second substrate facing the first substrate and in a grid-shape. The plurality of touch electrodes are used for touch position detection in a touch position detection period, and at least certain number of the plurality of touch electrodes are multiplexed as first pressure sensing electrodes in a touch force detection period. The orthogonal projection of the first pressure sensing electrodes on the second substrate is at least partially overlapped with the second pressure sensing electrode. Further, in the touch force detection period, the first pressure sensing electrodes and the second pressure sensing electrode are used together to detect a touch force applied on the display panel.