Touch Panel Vibration and Dust Sealing via Flexible Sheet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices with touch panels lack effective dust-proof measures, leading to dust accumulation on the display surface due to inadequate vibration attenuation and gaps between components, which compromises the operational feeling and device reliability.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device incorporates a flexible sheet member over the gap between the touch panel and the housing, along with a support portion that protrudes around the display unit to create an air-tight seal, preventing dust entry and maintaining touch panel vibration amplitude.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the touch panel is tightly fixed to the panel fixing frame, then the structural stability is improved, but the touch panel cannot vibrate properly and the operational feeling deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into rigid support portions (for stability) and elastic support members (for vibration). The elastic support members are provided at discrete locations around the periphery of the touch panel, allowing the panel to vibrate freely in the center while maintaining structural stability at the edges.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the support structure have different mechanical properties. The support portions have high rigidity for stability, while the elastic support members have low rigidity to allow vibration. This local differentiation of mechanical properties resolves the contradiction between stability and vibration capability.
2Ease of operation
If the touch panel is loosely supported to allow vibration, then the operational feeling is improved, but dust can enter through gaps and accumulate on the display surface
Solution Approach 1:
A dust-proof sheet (flexible film) is provided to cover the gap between the touch panel and the panel fixing frame. This flexible film prevents dust from entering through the gap while allowing the touch panel to vibrate freely, as the film is flexible enough not to restrain the vibration motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The dust-proof sheet acts as an intermediary element between the touch panel and the external environment. It blocks the harmful factor (dust) from entering the gap while not interfering with the useful function (vibration) of the touch panel.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If elastic support members are provided around the entire periphery, then dust-proof performance is improved, but the vibration amplitude is attenuated and operational feeling deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing elastic support members around the entire periphery (excessive action), the invention provides them only at specific discrete locations (partial action). This partial support is sufficient for dust-proofing while leaving enough space for the touch panel to vibrate with adequate amplitude.
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 configuration effectively prevents dust from entering the device while ensuring the touch panel's vibration is not attenuated, thus enhancing the operational feeling and maintaining the display unit's cleanliness and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element (piezo-element) 420 is adhered along each of two opposing sides on a rear surface of the touch panel 400. When the touch panel 400 detects a contact made by the operator, the electronic device applies a drive signal (voltage) to the piezoelectric elements 420 from a piezoelectric element driving circuit mounted on a circuit substrate that is not illustrated. Consequently, the piezoelectric elements 420 are expanded and contracted, thereby generating a vibration on the operation surface of the touch panel 400.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes: a touch panel 30; an elastic member 70 that supports the panel 30 to be capable of vibration in a position of an opening 11 of a housing 10; a vibration unit 60 that vibrates the panel 30; a display unit 40 on a rear side of the panel 30 with space therebetween; a substrate 50 on a rear side of the unit 40 with space therebetween; and a support portion 13 provided in the housing 10 to support a periphery of the rear of the unit 40. A surface 31 of the panel 30 and a surface 15 of the housing 10 are provided with a flexible member 20 over a gap 14 between a periphery of the panel 30 and the housing 10. The unit 40 is supported air-tightly to the portion 13 around the periphery of the rear of the unit 40.