Touch Sensor PCB Assembly for Precise Positioning and Stable Fixation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing touch sensor assemblies for household appliances face challenges in accurately recognizing user inputs and maintaining operational reliability, particularly due to issues with sensor positioning, fixation, and manufacturing processes.

Innovation Solution

A touch sensor assembly is designed with a sensor printed circuit board (PCB) that includes a touch sensor disposed at a correct position and stably fixed, utilizing a coupling structure with a display cover and frame to enhance recognition rates and operational reliability, featuring a touch booster and elastic member for precise touch detection and improved manufacturing efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a touch sensor is installed on a sensor PCB without a proper fixation structure, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the sensor positioning accuracy and stability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor positioning accuracyVSAvoidfixation structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixation structure is segmented into multiple independent elements: coupling protrusions on the sensor PCB, corresponding coupling grooves on the display cover, and elastic members for securing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity and achieving precise sensor positioning through the coordinated interaction of these discrete elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a complex fixation structure is used to secure the touch sensor, then the sensor positioning stability improves, but the manufacturing complexity and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixation structure merges multiple functions into a single integrated design: the coupling protrusions and grooves provide both mechanical alignment and positional stability, while the elastic members simultaneously secure the assembly and provide tactile feedback. This merging of functions achieves high operational reliability without requiring multiple separate components or complex assembly steps, thereby maintaining manufacturing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If the touch sensor is not properly fixed, then the manufacturing process is faster, but the touch recognition accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetouch recognition accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing cycle time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling protrusions and grooves are pre-formed on the sensor PCB and display cover respectively, enabling automatic alignment and precise positioning of the touch sensor during assembly. This preliminary preparation of coupling features ensures that the sensor is correctly positioned from the outset, achieving high touch recognition accuracy without requiring additional adjustment or alignment steps that would extend manufacturing cycle time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3037760B1Touch sensor assembly and method of manufacturing the same
Publication Date: 2018.09.19 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3037760B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3037760B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3037760B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A touch sensor assembly (500) may include a sensor mounting portion (718) formed at a insulating substrate (717), and a soldering spot (715) provided at the sensor mounting portion (718), wherein a touch sensor (750) is stably fixed to the sensor mounting portion (718) by the soldering spot (715). In addition, the touch sensor assembly (500) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a copper coating film (712) coated on a insulating substrate (717), and a top layer (716) printed on the copper coating film, wherein the copper coating film (712) is protected by the top layer (716).