Touch sensor assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional touch sensing methods face challenges in reliably detecting touch operations on metal panels, particularly in refrigerator doors, due to the rigidity of metal materials and the difficulty in implementing electrostatic or static-pressure touch methods, which can lead to damage and signal disconnection with repeated use.
Innovation Solution
A touch sensor assembly is designed with a touch substrate and piezo disks, where the touch substrate includes a hole with leg parts and a pressing part connected to the piezo disk, allowing for flexible deformation and increased durability, and a holder supports the piezo disk with a conductive material to maintain signal integrity even when individual components are damaged.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrostatic touch method or static-pressure touch method is applied to metal panel, then touch sensing function is achieved, but the pressing portion and periphery may be damaged with time leading to signal disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The touch sensor is divided into multiple independent piezoelectric sensor units distributed across the metal panel. Each unit independently detects touch pressure and transmits signals separately. This segmentation ensures that damage to one unit does not affect the overall functionality of the touch sensor system, thereby improving reliability and service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the sensing mechanism from electrostatic or static-pressure methods to piezoelectric sensing. Piezoelectric materials generate electrical charge in response to mechanical stress, providing a more durable touch detection method suitable for metal panels that withstands repeated pressing without degradation.
2Strength
If metal material is used for front panel, then aesthetic appearance and durability are improved, but implementation of hidden button and touch sensing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical switch mechanisms with piezoelectric sensing elements. The piezoelectric units detect touch through electrical charge generation rather than mechanical movement, eliminating the need for moving parts or complex mechanical structures in the metal panel, thus simplifying manufacturing while maintaining durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The metal panel maintains its overall aesthetic appearance and structural integrity, while specific localized areas contain the piezoelectric sensor units. This allows the metal panel to retain its durability and appearance properties while incorporating touch sensing functionality in specific regions where buttons are needed.
3Ease of operation
If force applied upon touch is large or number of times of pressing is increased, then touch operation is achieved, but pressing portion and periphery may be damaged with time
Solution Approach 1:
The touch sensor is segmented into multiple independent piezoelectric units. When large force or repeated pressing is applied, the stress is distributed across multiple units rather than concentrated on a single pressing portion. This segmentation prevents structural damage and maintains reliability even under heavy usage conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The piezoelectric sensor units are embedded within the metal panel structure with appropriate mounting and support mechanisms that cushion and distribute the applied force. This beforehand cushioning protects the pressing portion and periphery from damage while maintaining touch operation responsiveness.
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 enhances touch operation sensing reliability, prevents signal disconnection, and increases the lifespan of the touch sensor assembly by distributing pressure and supporting the piezo disk effectively, ensuring robust and durable performance.
Implementation Method 1
a piezo disk having first and second poles stacked on each other
Data Source
AI summary
A touch sensor assembly includes a touch substrate attached to a rear surface of a panel having a touch point, a piezo disk having first and second poles stacked thereon, wherein the first pole is disposed on at least a central portion of a front surface thereof and aligned in a direction facing the touch substrate to be fixed to a rear surface of the touch substrate, a pressing tab flexibly provided on the touch substrate, electrically connected to the first pole upon being in contact with the first pole, and electrically connected to a plurality of wires provided on the touch substrate at a plurality of points, and a fixing surface electrically connected to the second pole while supporting the second pole such that the piezo disk is fixed to the rear surface of the touch substrate and electrically connected to second wires provided on the touch substrate.