Printed force sensor within a touch screen
US9430078B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 12, 2009 |
| Grant date | Aug 30, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 20, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F3/0445
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A quantum tunneling composite, or other material exhibiting changing electrical or magnetic properties as force on the material is increased, can be located within a force concentrator integrated into traditional touch screen layers to sense force applied on the touch screen. The force concentrator can be a protrusion from the layer planes of the layers in a traditional touch screen and can be formed, at least in part, from printed elements. The amount of protrusion of the force concentrator can be adjusted through multi-pass printing and thicker deposit printing. The force concentrator can also have optically clear adhesive layered over it. The force-sensitive material can be optionally pre-loaded so as to operate within a substantially linear feedback range. A sensing mechanism can be configured to detect changes in force at multiple locations or to detect the application of force irrespective of location.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.