Optically Transparent Electrode for Tactile Feedback and Nerve Stimulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing touch-screen technologies lack efficient methods for providing localized tactile feedback and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) while maintaining optical transparency and durability, which are essential for enhancing user interaction and device functionality.

Innovation Solution

A touch-sensitive tactile feedback (TSTF) layer comprising a three-sublayer structure with optically transparent electrodes, dielectric materials, and a hydrophobic, self-cleaning outer layer, allowing for capacitive coupling and localized nerve stimulation, integrated into touch-screen devices like mobile phones to detect touch inputs and provide tactile feedback.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional touch-screen technologies are used, then basic touch detection is achieved, but localized tactile feedback and TENS functionality are lacking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetactile feedback capabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions (touch detection, tactile feedback, and TENS stimulation) into a single integrated TSTF layer structure. The same electrode array and dielectric layer configuration serves both capacitive touch sensing and electrical nerve stimulation purposes, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall device complexity while enhancing versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The TSTF layer is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs capacitive coupling for touch detection and delivers localized electrical stimulation for tactile feedback. The electrode structure can be selectively activated for different functions, making a single component serve multiple purposes in the touch-screen system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Illumination intensity

If optically transparent electrodes are used, then optical transparency is maintained, but durability and resistance to environmental factors are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical transparencyVSAvoiddurability

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite structure consisting of multiple layers including optically transparent electrodes, dielectric materials, and a hydrophobic self-cleaning outer layer. This composite approach allows each layer to contribute its specific properties: optical transparency from the electrode and dielectric materials, and enhanced durability/environmental resistance from the hydrophobic coating, achieving both transparency and reliability simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Manufacturing precision

If a three-sublayer structure with multiple conducting tracks is implemented, then localized nerve stimulation is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocalized stimulation precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing process simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the electrode structure into multiple segmented conducting tracks arranged in a two-dimensional array pattern. This segmentation allows independent addressing and selective activation of specific electrode regions, enabling precise localized nerve stimulation. The segmented design also facilitates modular manufacturing approaches where electrode patterns can be created through systematic deposition processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a nested layer structure where multiple conducting tracks are embedded within alternating dielectric and substrate layers. The first and second conducting tracks are nested at different vertical levels, with dielectric layers providing electrical isolation between them. This nested configuration enables complex stimulation patterns while maintaining a compact integrated structure that can be manufactured through sequential layer deposition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 TSTF layer enables efficient detection of touch inputs and provides localized tactile feedback through transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, improving user interaction and reducing power consumption, while maintaining optical transparency and durability.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitive coupling: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

a hydrophobic, self-cleaning outer layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrophobic effect: Hydrophobe

Data Source

PatentEP2387439B1Apparatus for providing nerve stimulation

Publication Date: 2017.11.01 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY

Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 2

AI summary

An apparatus comprises an optically transparent electrode configured to provide transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation to a user contacting a portion of an exterior surface of said apparatus proximal to said optically transparent electrode.