Single-Structure Touch and Force Sensing for Sealed Wearable Inputs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical switches in wearable devices require significant space, are cluttered, and pose risks of electric shock, while also being difficult to make dustproof and waterproof, and they struggle to simultaneously perform touch sensing and force sensing functions effectively.
Innovation Solution
A touch sensing device with an inductor element spaced apart from a touch member, supported by a substrate and circuit part that detects touch and force inputs through different frequency change characteristics, using an oscillation circuit and operation detection circuit to distinguish between touch and force inputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an existing mechanical switch is used, then touch sensing and force sensing functions can be performed, but the device requires large size and space internally
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines touch sensing and force sensing functions into a single sensor structure. The sensor includes a sensing element with a first electrode and a second electrode positioned at different distances from the touch surface, allowing simultaneous detection of touch (capacitive coupling) and force (piezoresistive or capacitive changes) inputs without requiring separate mechanical switches or sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor structure is designed to perform multiple sensing functions universally. By incorporating both a first electrode for touch sensing and a second electrode for force sensing within the same sensor assembly, the device achieves multi-functionality, eliminating the need for separate mechanical switches and reducing internal space requirements.
2Ease of operation
If an existing mechanical switch is used, then switching function can be implemented, but the design becomes cluttered and requires large space due to protruding structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical switch system with an electronic sensing system. Instead of using a mechanical switch with moving parts and protruding structures, the invention uses electronic sensors (capacitive and piezoresistive elements) that can detect touch and force inputs without mechanical movement, enabling a sleek, integrated design that maintains switching functionality through electronic control.
3Ease of operation
If an existing mechanical switch is used, then switching function is provided, but dustproof and waterproof functions are difficult to implement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical switches with electronic sensing elements that have no moving parts or openings. The sensing structure uses capacitive and piezoresistive elements sealed within the touch surface, eliminating pathways for dust and water penetration while maintaining switching functionality through electronic detection and control.
4Ease of operation
If an existing mechanical switch is used, then switching function is provided, but there is risk of electric shock due to direct electrical connection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical switches with electronic sensing elements that detect inputs through capacitive and piezoresistive changes without requiring direct electrical connection to the user. The sensing structure isolates the user from high-voltage circuits while maintaining switching functionality through wireless or isolated electronic control.
5Volume of stationary object
If a single sensor structure is used for both touch and force sensing, then device size is reduced, but it becomes challenging to distinguish between touch input and force input
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sensing functions within the single sensor structure by using distinct electrodes positioned at different distances from the touch surface. The first electrode is positioned closer for touch sensing, while the second electrode is positioned farther away for force sensing, allowing the processing circuit to distinguish between touch and force inputs based on which electrode detects the signal and the characteristics of the detected signal.
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 compact, dustproof, and waterproof designs for wearable devices to perform both touch and force sensing functions using a single sensor, improving safety and design aesthetics while maintaining reliability.
Implementation Method 1
an inductor element spaced apart from an internal side surface of the touch member, and a circuit part connected to the inductor element and configured to detect a touch input and a touch-force input in response to different frequency change characteristics depending on the touch input and the touch-force input through the touch member
Data Source
AI summary
A touch sensing device, applicable to an electric device including a touch member integrated with a housing, includes an inductor element spaced apart from an internal side surface of the touch member, a support member attached to an internal side surface of the housing or the touch member to support the inductor element disposed thereon, a substrate on which the inductor element is mounted, the substrate being disposed on the support member, and a circuit part connected to the inductor element and configured to detect a touch input and a touch-force input in response to different frequency change characteristics depending on the touch input and the touch-force input through the touch member.