Integrated Touch Sensing in Electrochromic Rear-View Mirrors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional touch sensing structures for electrochromic rear-view mirrors are thick, compromising the aesthetic appearance and functionality, as they are externally mounted on the mirror, increasing the thickness and obstructing the view.

Innovation Solution

A touch apparatus is designed with a touch sensing structure integrated inside a switchable mirror device, comprising a first substrate, a touch sensing structure, an insulation layer, a driving electrode, an electrochromic layer, and a reflective electrode, where the driving and reflective electrodes drive the electrochromic layer to switch between dimming and light transmissive states, allowing for a thin external appearance while maintaining touch functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the touch sensing structure is externally mounted on the electrochromic reflective mirror, then the touch function is achieved, but the thickness of the mirror increases and the aesthetic appearance is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetouch functionVSAvoidthickness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The touch sensing structure is merged with the electrochromic reflective mirror by integrating it between the first substrate and the electrochromic layer, rather than externally mounting it. This combination allows the touch function to be achieved while maintaining a thin profile and aesthetic appearance, as the touch sensing structure becomes an integral part of the mirror assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The touch sensing structure is nested within the mirror assembly, specifically positioned between the first substrate and the electrochromic layer. This nesting approach allows the touch sensing structure to be housed within the existing mirror thickness, avoiding additional external thickness while maintaining both the mirror functionality and touch capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the touch sensing structure is externally mounted on the electrochromic reflective mirror, then the touch function is achieved, but the view is obstructed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetouch functionVSAvoidview obstruction

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the touch sensing structure with the mirror assembly internally, the touch sensing structure is positioned behind the reflective surface, allowing users to view through the mirror without obstruction while still enabling touch control functionality on the front surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The touch sensing structure utilizes the internal dimensional space of the mirror assembly, positioning itself between the first substrate and the electrochromic layer. This three-dimensional integration allows touch functionality to be achieved without adding external thickness that would obstruct the view, effectively using the internal depth of the mirror for functional integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If the insulation layer thickness is increased to ensure electrical isolation, then electrical isolation is improved, but the overall thickness of the mirror increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical isolationVSAvoidthickness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The thickness parameter of the insulation layer is optimized to be between T1/10 to T1/5, where T1 is the thickness of the first substrate. This parameter change ensures sufficient electrical isolation between the touch sensing structure and the driving electrode while maintaining a thin overall profile. The specific thickness ratio provides the necessary electrical isolation without excessive thickness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enables a thin, aesthetically pleasing electrochromic rear-view mirror with integrated touch functionality, allowing for both touch control and adjustable light transmission or reflection modes without increasing the mirror's thickness.

Implementation Method 1

Electrochromism refers to the optical properties (for example: transmittance, reflectance or absorbance) of an electrochromism layer which is able to stably produce a reversible change in the visible light wavelength ranges, such that a change in color and transparency may be displayed under the effect of an applied voltage or current.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochromism: Electrochromism

Data Source

PatentUS9778795B2Touch apparatus

Publication Date: 2017.10.03 UNIMICRON TECH CORP

AI summary

A touch apparatus including a first substrate, a touch sensing structure, an insulation layer, a driving electrode, an electrochromic layer, a reflective electrode and a second substrate stacked sequentially along a direction is provided. The driving electrode and the reflective electrode are used to drive the electrochromic layer. The driving electrode is contacted with the insulation layer. The insulation layer has a thickness T1 in the direction. The first substrate has a thickness T2 in the direction.T1<(T2/10).