Touch Panel Knob Device Resolution via Capacitive Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing knob devices for touch panels face challenges such as reduced glass strength due to hole drilling, high costs, and insufficient resolution, especially when the knob is small or when the touch pad's position is difficult to determine between touch panel cells.
Innovation Solution
A knob device comprising a knob cover, a plurality of sensing pads arranged in a ring around the center of the orthographic projection of the knob cover, and a rotation sensing element connected to the knob cover, which generates sensing signals when rotated, improving the resolution of rotation without introducing side effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If holes are drilled in the glass to mount knobs, then the knob device can be integrated with the touch panel, but the glass strength is reduced and manufacturing becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the knob device with the touch panel by using the touch panel's existing structure (display screen and touch detection units) to achieve both display and rotational sensing functions. The first touch detection unit is integrated into the display screen, eliminating the need for separate mechanical mounting holes in the glass, thus maintaining glass strength while achieving functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The display screen serves multiple functions: it acts as both the visual display interface and the mounting surface for the touch detection units. The touch detection units themselves perform dual functions of detecting touch input and determining rotational position, eliminating the need for separate mechanical components and preserving glass integrity.
2Volume of moving object
If the knob is made small to fit the touch panel, then the device size is reduced, but the resolution of rotation becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical rotation sensing mechanisms with an electronic touch detection system. Instead of using mechanical encoders or potentiometers that require large physical dimensions for adequate resolution, the system uses touch detection units that detect the position of a conductive object (such as a finger) on the display screen. This electronic approach allows for high rotation resolution even when the knob is small, as the resolution depends on the touch detection precision rather than mechanical component size.
3Ease of operation
If the touch pad is located between two touch panel cells, then the knob function can be achieved through touch effect, but it becomes difficult to determine the position accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the touch detection function into multiple independent touch detection units distributed across the display screen. Rather than relying on a single touch pad positioned between cells, multiple touch detection units are arranged to cover the entire rotational range. This segmentation allows the system to determine rotational position by identifying which specific touch detection unit is activated, providing accurate position determination even when the interaction point is between traditional cell boundaries.
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
Enhances the resolution of the rotation angle of the knob device on the touch panel by accurately determining the location and movement of the rotation sensing element, reducing misjudgment and improving usability without compromising the touch panel's integrity.
Implementation Method 1
When a user touches the knob device and the rotation sensing element overlaps one of the plurality of sensing pads, the touch panel generates a sensing signal in response to a location of the rotation sensing element
Data Source
AI summary
A knob device is applicable to a touch panel. The knob device includes a knob cover, a plurality of sensing pads and a rotation sensing element. The plurality of sensing pads are fixedly arranged on the touch panel. A gap is form between two sensing pads. The plurality of sensing pads and gaps are distributed in a ring area around a center of an orthographic projection of the knob cover. The rotation sensing element is connected to the knob cover. When the knob cover is turned to be rotated, the rotation sensing element is rotated synchronously. When a user touches the knob device and the rotation sensing element overlaps one of the plurality of sensing pads, the touch panel generates a rotation sensing signal in response to a location of the rotation sensing element.