Touch-Surface Control Device Flexible Connection Tab
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touch-surface electric control devices, particularly those using force-sensing resistors, are fragile and difficult to assemble due to vulnerable electrical connections between the printed circuit board and the sensor, leading to potential damage during manufacturing and reduced service life.
Innovation Solution
A touch-surface electric control device with a flexible connection tab and guiding protrusion, supported by a common substrate, which includes snap-fitting means and force-fit connectors to securely link the touch-surface sensor and printed circuit board, reducing the risk of damage and facilitating assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sensor is connected to the printed circuit board using traditional connection methods, then the electrical link is established, but the connection becomes fragile and vulnerable to damage during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the connection means with the touch surface of the sensor by forming the connection means as an extension of the touch surface in one piece. This integration eliminates separate connection components that could fail independently, thereby improving connection reliability while simplifying the assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a common substrate as an intermediary element between the sensor and the printed circuit board. This substrate provides a stable mounting platform that distributes mechanical stresses, protecting the fragile electrical connections from damage during assembly and operation.
2Manufacturing precision
If the electrical connections are made with fine connections for precision, then the sensor functionality is maintained, but the connections become vulnerable to damage upon assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible connection means made as an extension of the touch surface, which can be thin and flexible yet maintain electrical connectivity. This flexibility allows the connection to accommodate minor misalignments and stresses without breaking, preserving both precision and strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The common substrate acts as a cushioning element that absorbs and distributes mechanical stresses before they reach the fragile electrical connections. This pre-cushioning protection prevents damage during assembly while maintaining the precision of the fine connections.
3Ease of operation
If the connection means are made flexible to improve handling, then the ease of assembly improves, but the structural stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connection means is designed as a flexible extension of the touch surface that can bend and conform during assembly, improving handling ease. However, when mounted on the rigid common substrate, this flexibility is constrained, providing the necessary structural stability for reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the flexibility-stability contradiction by transitioning to another dimension: the connection means is flexible in the plane of bending during assembly, but the common substrate provides out-of-plane rigidity. This dimensional separation allows both flexibility for handling and stability for structural integrity.
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 the robustness and ease of assembly of the control device, reducing the risk of connector damage and extending its service life by providing a secure, flexible connection that is protected from stress during assembly and use.
Implementation Method 1
a side face of the common substrate comprises a guiding protrusion for the connection tab
Implementation Method 2
the snap-fitting means comprise an oblong hole provided in the printed circuit board and an associated rivet-shaped pin comprising at least one pair of retractable elastic arms
Implementation Method 3
removable fixing means for fixing the printed circuit board to one of the faces of the common substrate
Implementation Method 4
the connection means are connected to the printed circuit board by force-fit connectors
Implementation Method 5
the face of the printed circuit board facing the face of the common substrate comprises at least one light source, such as a light-emitting diode
Implementation Method 6
the touch surface of the sensor and the face of the common substrate supporting the touch-surface sensor is transparent or translucent
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an touch-surface electric control device (1) comprising a touch-surface sensor (29), a printed circuit board (33), connection means (42) for the electric connection between the touch-surface sensor (29) and the printed circuit board (33), the connections means (42) and the touch-surface (29) being flexible and including a connection tab (67), the touch-surface sensor (29) and the printed circuit board (33) being provided on the opposite faces of a common substrate (31) provided between said sensor (29) and said board (33), characterized in that a side face of the common substrate (31) includes a guiding protrusion (44) for the connection tab (67).