Watch Touch Sensor on Curved Frame via LDS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Watch-type electronic devices with small screens face challenges in providing touch input without blocking the screen, and existing solutions increase device thickness due to the placement of touch sensors and flexible printed circuit boards.
Innovation Solution
A watch-type electronic device design featuring a touch sensor formed on a curved part of the frame spaced from the display unit, using a metallic thin film and conductive lines connected to a flexible printed circuit board, which is integrated with the frame using Laser Direct Structuring (LDS) material and insert-molding, allowing for a thin and integrated design without parting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a touch sensor is formed at a position spaced from the display unit, then the screen is not blocked during touch input, but the device thickness increases due to the flexible printed circuit board
Solution Approach 1:
The frame and flexible printed circuit board are integrated into a single component, eliminating the need for separate assembly and reducing overall device thickness while maintaining the spaced touch sensor configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The frame is designed to serve multiple functions: structural support, aesthetic housing, and electrical connection carrier for the touch sensor, eliminating the need for a separate flexible printed circuit board
2Ease of operation
If a touch sensor is formed at a position spaced from the display unit, then the screen is not blocked during touch input, but the appearance design is lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The frame and flexible printed circuit board are merged into a single integrated component with a unified aesthetic design, eliminating visible seams or parting lines that would compromise appearance while maintaining the spaced touch sensor configuration
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple components are assembled separately, then manufacturing flexibility is maintained, but assembly processes become complex
Solution Approach 1:
The frame and flexible printed circuit board are merged into a single integrated component that can be manufactured as one piece using laser direct structuring and insert-molding, dramatically simplifying assembly while maintaining manufacturing flexibility through modular design
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
Enables touch input without obstructing the screen and reduces device thickness by using laser metal plating and LDS material, maintaining appearance design integrity and simplifying assembly processes.
Implementation Method 1
a frame provided at the body, having an upper surface, a lower surface formed to face the upper surface, and side surfaces formed to cover the upper surface and the lower surface, wherein the upper surface includes a planar part formed in parallel to the lower surface, and a curved part inclined from an end part of the planar part towards an end of the lower surface, and wherein the touch sensor is formed at the curved part so as to be spaced from the display unit, the display unit is mounted to the planar part, and the frame includes a laser direct structuring (LDS) material
Implementation Method 2
the touch sensor is formed as a metallic thin film
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a watch-type electronic device and a manufacturing method therefor, the electronic device comprising: a main body including a display unit; a frame provided to the main body and having an upper surface, a lower surface formed to face the upper surface, and side surfaces formed so as to cover the upper surface and the lower surface; and a touch sensor formed on the frame, wherein the upper surface comprises: a planar part formed to be parallel to the lower surface; and a curved part formed so as to be inclined toward the end of the lower surface from an end portion of the planar part, the touch sensor is formed on the curved part so as to be spaced apart from the display unit, the display unit is placed on the planar part, the frame includes a laser direct structuring (LDS) material, and the touch sensor is formed of a metal thin film.