Universal Touch Input Frame for Multi-Technology Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touch modules for self-service terminals and ATMs require different frames and dimensions for various sensor technologies, leading to increased logistical efforts and costs, as well as difficulties in exchanging or integrating different touch technologies during maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A touch-sensitive input device with a frame featuring a recess that can accommodate different sensor arrangements and panes of varying dimensions, allowing for a single frame to be used with multiple sensor technologies, reducing component availability and machining time, and enabling easy integration into various devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different frames are used for various sensor technologies, then each sensor technology can be optimized for its specific requirements, but the logistical effort and costs increase due to multiple component types
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is designed with a universal recess structure that can accommodate different sensor arrangements (capacitive, infrared, acoustic) and different pane dimensions. The recess is dimensioned and shaped to provide mechanical support and positioning for various sensor technologies without requiring frame modifications, enabling one frame design to serve multiple functions and sensor types.
2Reliability
If different frames are used for various sensor technologies, then each sensor arrangement can be properly supported, but the logistical efforts and associated costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The frame provides universal support structures including a recess that can hold different sensor arrangements and panes. This single frame design replaces the need for multiple specialized frames, reducing manufacturing variety, inventory complexity, and logistical costs while maintaining proper support for each sensor type through the standardized recess geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame is segmented into distinct functional areas including the recess for sensor arrangements, mounting surfaces for panes, and connection interfaces. This segmentation allows the same frame structure to accommodate different sensor technologies by simply changing the sensor arrangement within the recess, without requiring different frame designs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different dimensions are used for different sensor technologies, then each sensor arrangement can be optimized, but the integration flexibility during maintenance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame's recess is designed with dimensions and geometry that can accommodate multiple pane sizes and sensor arrangements. The recess provides a standardized interface that maintains integration flexibility, allowing maintenance personnel to exchange different sensor technologies and pane combinations using the same frame without requiring dimensional modifications or specialized tools.
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 solution simplifies the design and reduces logistical efforts by allowing a single frame to support multiple sensor technologies, maintaining consistent dimensions, and facilitating the integration of different touch-sensitive input devices without structural changes, thereby lowering costs and enhancing versatility.
Implementation Method 1
One such technology is capacitive touch technology. In this technology, the touch module's screen is coated, for example, with a transparent metal oxide layer. A voltage applied to the corners of the coating generates a precisely uniform electric field. This creates a small charge transfer, which is measured as a current at the corners of the screen during a discharge cycle.
Implementation Method 2
Another technology for determining the position of a touch module's screen by an operator is so-called infrared touch technology. This technology uses infrared-emitting diodes to generate a grid of infrared beams above the touch module's screen. Opposite these diodes are infrared-detecting photodiodes that receive the emitted infrared beams without interruption.
Data Source
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AI summary
The device has an opening (12) provided with a frame (10), and a sensor arrangement for determining a position of a contact of a disk. The frame has a profile with side pieces (14, 16) turned towards and away from the opening. A base segment (18) connects the side pieces of the profile. The disk contacts the piece turned towards the opening. A part of the sensor arrangement is arranged within a recess that is formed by the side pieces and the segment. An obtuse angle is formed between one of the side pieces and the segment. One side piece is made from infrared radiation permeable plastic.