Touch Sensor Integrating Position and Pressure Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing manufacturing processes for touch sensors that detect both contact position and pressure require separate sensors, leading to increased manufacturing complexity and costs due to the need for distinct signal lines and separate integration, which complicates the assembly and increases the overall price of the electronic device.
Innovation Solution
A touch sensor design where resistance membranes for position detection and pressure-sensitive membranes are formed on adjacent parts of a single base material, which are then laminated and folded to integrate both functions onto a single structure, reducing the number of components and simplifying the assembly process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate sensors are used for position detection and pressure detection, then detection functionality is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines position detection and pressure detection functions into a single integrated sensor structure. The base material serves as both the support for position-sensitive electrodes and the pressure-sensitive element itself, eliminating the need for separate position sensor and pressure sensor components. This merging reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining both detection functionalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The base material is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as the structural support, the pressure-sensitive element, and the substrate for position detection electrodes. This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate components, thereby reducing device complexity without sacrificing detection capabilities.
2Reliability
If separate sensors are used for position detection and pressure detection, then detection functionality is achieved, but sensor cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging position detection and pressure detection into a single sensor structure, the patent reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured, procured, and assembled. This consolidation lowers material costs and reduces assembly operations, directly decreasing sensor cost while maintaining both detection functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The base material is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as the structural support, the pressure-sensitive element, and the substrate for position detection electrodes. This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate components, thereby reducing device complexity without sacrificing detection capabilities.
3Reliability
If separate sensors are used for position detection and pressure detection, then detection functionality is achieved, but manufacturing processes become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines position detection and pressure detection manufacturing into a single integrated process. The electrodes are formed directly on the base material in the position detection regions, and the entire structure is manufactured as one unit rather than assembling separate position sensor and pressure sensor components. This reduces manufacturing steps and improves productivity.
4Reliability
If separate sensors are used for position detection and pressure detection, then detection functionality is achieved, but signal line complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the signal lines for both position detection and pressure detection within the same sensor structure. The electrodes serve dual purposes: they detect position when touched and their deformation detects pressure. This integration reduces the number of separate signal lines needed compared to having independent position sensor and pressure sensor circuits.
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 approach allows for a cost-effective touch sensor with reduced manufacturing complexity, enabling easier alignment and integration of position and pressure-sensitive sensors, thereby lowering production costs and simplifying the manufacturing process.
Implementation Method 1
a resistance membrane for position detection is formed on each of a first part and a second part
Implementation Method 2
a resistance membrane being pressure sensitive is formed on each of a third part and a fourth part
Data Source
AI summary
A touch sensor in which an increase in manufacturing processes is suppressed and which can be provided inexpensively is obtained. A touch sensor (1) has a structure in which resistance membranes (12A, 12B) and membranes (13A, 13B) made of pressure sensitive ink are formed on predetermined places of a film (11), two parts (11A, 11B) on which the resistance membranes (12A, 12B) are formed are interfolded so that the resistance membranes (12A, 12B) face each other, two parts (11C, 11D) on which the membranes (13A, 13B) are formed are interfolded so that the membranes (13A, 13B) face each other, and the interfolded two parts are further interfolded.