Snap domes as sensor protection
US9389721B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 9, 2012 |
| Grant date | Jul 12, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 26, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H2221/064
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A protection mechanism for force-based touch sensitive input panels or displays comprising a “snap dome”, e.g., a semi-rigid pliable dome positioned over each sensor for increased overload protection. The snap dome is unidirectionally-resilient to a known point of collapse. It therefore imparts a predetermined resistance to compression over a known range of travel along the z-axis, but is unyielding along the x- and y-axis. As the touch panel is depressed toward the standoff, the snap dome resists compression until it collapses, allowing the touch panel to encounter the standoff. The standoff then imparts dead-stop overload force protection to the sensors. This allows for the placement of mechanical stops (such as stop screws) with a less exacting tolerance. Moreover, the snap domes introduce no x- or y-axis force losses/increases, and do not cause tilting of the touch panel. The touch force remains perfectly perpendicular and accuracy is preserved.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.