Touch sensor assembly and a refrigerator door including the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touch sensor assemblies for household appliances, such as refrigerators, face challenges in providing a reliable and durable touch interface on metal or glass surfaces while maintaining aesthetic appeal and preventing static electricity interference.
Innovation Solution
A touch sensor assembly is integrated into the door of a refrigerator, featuring a stainless steel front panel with a display window and touch operation unit, utilizing a touch booster and sensor PCB with elastic members to detect touch inputs and protect against static electricity, while ensuring the assembly is non-protrusive and aesthetically pleasing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a touch sensor assembly is integrated into a metal or glass surface, then the touch interface functionality is improved, but static electricity interference occurs
Solution Approach 1:
A touch booster plate is introduced as an intermediary component between the metal/glass surface and the sensor. The touch booster plate is electrically connected to the sensor and acts as a mediator to detect touch input while preventing static electricity from reaching the sensor, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining touch functionality and blocking static electricity interference
2Measurement precision
If the touch sensor assembly uses protruding components, then the sensor detection capability is improved, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The touch sensor assembly is designed to operate in a different dimensional plane, where the sensor elements are positioned behind the surface plane rather than protruding forward. This allows the detection functionality to operate effectively while maintaining a flush, aesthetically pleasing surface appearance
3Shape
If the touch sensor assembly is made non-protrusive, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the sensor detection sensitivity may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The touch booster plate serves as an intermediary that extends the sensing capability without requiring the sensor itself to protrude. The booster plate can be positioned closer to the surface while the actual sensor remains recessed, thereby maintaining both aesthetic appearance and detection sensitivity
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 provides a reliable and durable touch interface that effectively detects user inputs while preventing static electricity interference, maintaining the appliance's aesthetic appeal and operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
touch sensor assemblies are used for household appliances and may include electrostatic capacitance sensors
Data Source
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AI summary
In a sensor assembly (500), a hole-shaped sensor support portion (713) is formed at a sensor printed circuit board (PCB) (700), a touch sensor (750) is disposed at the sensor support portion (713), and an elastic member (720) is installed at a rear surface of the sensor PCB (700).In addition, a sensor assembly (500) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a sensor PCB (700) having a copper coating film (712) which constitutes a circuit printed on a top surface of a plastic material (717), a touch sensor (750) seated on a sensor support portion (713) formed at the sensor PCB (700), and a cover member (770) which is attached onto a rear surface of the sensor PCB (700) and covers the sensor support portion (713).