Electronic device having force sensor air flow promotion structures
US10845925B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 6, 2018 |
| Grant date | Nov 24, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 15, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F2203/04105
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An electronic device such as a device with a display may have a force sensor. The force sensor may include capacitive electrodes separated by a deformable layer such as a layer of an elastomeric polymer. The display or other layers in the electronic device may deform inwardly under applied force from a finger of a user or other external object. As the deformed layers contact the deformable layer, the deformable layer is compressed and the spacing between the capacitive electrodes of the force sensor decreases. This causes a measurable rise in the capacitance signal and therefore the force signal output of the force sensor. To prevent the deformable layer from sticking to the inner surface of the display layers, air flow promotion structures may be interposed between the deformable layer and the inner surface of the display. The air flow promotion structures may include spacer pads with anti-stick surfaces.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.