Underwater Glass Touch Panel With Capacitive and IR Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing operating units, particularly touchscreens using Projected Capacitive Touch technology, are not suitable for underwater use due to difficulties in evaluating touches and interference from water, which limits their application in environments like swimming pools or aquariums.
Innovation Solution
A capacitive operating unit with a glass front panel and sensor elements utilizing a ceramic conductive structure made from baked ceramic conductive paste, combined with an IR sensor system and brightness sensor, to detect changes in capacitance and differentiate between touch and water presence, enabling reliable operation underwater.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional capacitive touch sensors are used underwater, then the operating unit can be used in water environments, but the touch evaluation becomes unreliable due to water interference and electrostatic discharges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating frequency parameters of the capacitive sensor to a higher range (150 kHz to 1 GHz) where water interference and electrostatic discharges have less impact on signal integrity, thereby maintaining reliable touch detection underwater
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts its sensing parameters and evaluation algorithms based on the detected environmental conditions (water presence, saltwater vs. freshwater), allowing it to optimize performance for different underwater scenarios
2Device complexity
If fixed frequency capacitive sensing is used, then the sensor structure is simple, but the ability to detect touches underwater is insufficient due to water interference
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic frequency sweeping across a broad spectrum (150 kHz to 1 GHz) rather than a fixed frequency, allowing it to identify and operate at optimal frequencies for underwater conditions while maintaining a relatively simple sensor structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent varies the operating frequency parameter dynamically to overcome water interference, enabling accurate touch detection without requiring complex additional hardware
3Adaptability or versatility
If capacitive sensors are used in contact with water, then the operating unit can function in water, but the sensors become extremely sensitive to electromagnetic radiation and electrostatic discharges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent shifts the operating frequency to a higher range (150 kHz to 1 GHz) where the impact of electromagnetic radiation and electrostatic discharges is reduced, allowing the capacitive sensor to operate reliably in water environments despite their inherent sensitivity to such interference
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 allows for durable, versatile, and cost-effective operation underwater, capable of detecting touches and gestures with high accuracy, even in challenging water conditions, such as saltwater or turbid environments.
Implementation Method 1
a ceramic conductive structure made of a baked ceramic conductive paste
Implementation Method 2
electrical sensor elements which react to a person touching or approaching the operating unit with a change in capacitance
Implementation Method 3
The operating unit comprises an IR sensor system and/or a brightness sensor
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3(a)~3(c)
AI summary
The invention relates to an operating unit 1 for underwater use, comprising a glass front panel 2 and electrical and/or mechanical sensor elements, which may be arranged on a sensor plate 7, and a control unit, wherein a ceramic conductive paste is applied to the front panel 2 and/or a sensor plate 7, and wherein the control unit is configured to detect touches and approaches of a person to the operating unit 1 and to trigger an action in response when the operating unit is underwater. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing the operating unit 1.