Touch Control Module Isolation Structure for Stable Spring Fitting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing capacitive touch sensing technologies in home appliances face safety risks due to conductive springs, and the use of isolation structures without considering fitting stability leads to potential separation and increased fitting risks.

Innovation Solution

A touch control module with elastic conductors and isolation members that are limited to positioning portions on a support, using a hat-shaped structure with brim-like limiting portions to ensure stable fitting and contact with the front cover plate, while maintaining touch sensitivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an isolation structure is arranged between the spring and the front cover plate to meet safety requirements, then safety risk is reduced, but the fitting stability of the plastic member and the spring deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidfitting stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The isolation member is divided into a plastic member and a metal member that are sleeved on the spring. The plastic member provides electrical isolation while the metal member provides mechanical support and fitting stability. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The plastic member is sleeved on the spring, and the metal member is sleeved on the plastic member, forming a nested structure. This nested arrangement ensures that the isolation member remains firmly attached to the spring while providing both electrical isolation and mechanical stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If a plastic member is wrapped or embedded to create an isolation structure, then electrical isolation is achieved, but the fitting stability and transportation reliability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical isolationVSAvoidfitting stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The isolation member combines plastic material (for electrical isolation) and metal material (for mechanical strength and fitting stability) into a composite structure. The metal member reinforces the plastic member, preventing separation during fitting and transportation while maintaining the electrical isolation function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of manufacture

If the isolation member is made loose-fitting to facilitate assembly, then ease of assembly is improved, but the stability and reliability of the touch control module deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidmodule stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The isolation member is designed with elastic deformation capability, allowing it to dynamically adapt during assembly. The elastic conductor enables the isolation member to be easily inserted through deformation, while the metal reinforcement ensures it maintains stable positioning after assembly, preventing separation during use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 enhances fitting stability, prevents separation of isolation members, and maintains touch sensitivity, ensuring safe and reliable operation of the touch control panel.

Implementation Method 1

the elastic conductors at least partially extend into the positioning portions and abut against inner surfaces of the isolation members

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4456426B1Touch control module, touch control panel and home appliance thereof
Publication Date: 2026.05.06 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP4456426B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4456426B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4456426B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A touch control module, a touch control panel and a home appliance thereof are provided. The touch control module includes: a circuit module, provided with a first surface, where the first surface is provided with elastic conductors; and a support, arranged on the first surface of the circuit module, where positioning portions corresponding to the elastic conductors are provided on the support. The touch control module further includes isolation members, where the isolation members are provided with limiting portions, the isolation members are arranged on the positioning portions, the elastic conductors at least partially extend into the positioning portions and abut against inner surfaces of the isolation members, and the limiting portions abut against edges of the positioning portions to limit the isolation members to the positioning portions. Through the above solution, the isolation members are limited to the positioning portions, and a stroke and a position of the isolation members are limited by using the support, so that a fitted structure is more stable.