Capacitor based force sensor
First Claim
1. A capacitive device configured to detect differences in an applied force over a continuous range of applied force including zero force, the device comprising:
- first and second electrodes, the electrodes being spaced apart a predetermined distance from each other in a rest position, a measurable capacitance existing between the first and second electrodes;
structured elements having a predetermined maximum dimension positioned to control the predetermined distance between the first and second electrodes;
whereby the applied force causes a change in the distance between the first and second electrodes and a related change in the capacitance that can be measured to determine information related to the applied force.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The invention provides a novel capacitive device configured to detect differences in an applied force over a continuous range of applied force that includes zero force. The device includes first and second electrodes that are spaced apart a predetermined distance from each other in a rest position. A measurable capacitance exists between the first and second electrodes. Structured elements having a predetermined maximum dimension are positioned in the device to control the predetermined distance between the first and second electrodes. An applied force to the device causes a change in the distance between the first and second electrodes and a related change in the capacitance that can be measured to determine information related to the applied force.
134 Citations
46 Claims
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1. A capacitive device configured to detect differences in an applied force over a continuous range of applied force including zero force, the device comprising:
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first and second electrodes, the electrodes being spaced apart a predetermined distance from each other in a rest position, a measurable capacitance existing between the first and second electrodes;
structured elements having a predetermined maximum dimension positioned to control the predetermined distance between the first and second electrodes;
whereby the applied force causes a change in the distance between the first and second electrodes and a related change in the capacitance that can be measured to determine information related to the applied force. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 32)
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21. A method of manufacturing a capacitive device capable of detecting differences in an applied force over a continuous range of applied force including zero force, the device including opposing first and second electrodes spaced apart a predetermined distance when in a rest state, the device having a capacitance controlled by the relative spacing between the first and second electrodes, the method comprising the steps of:
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spacing apart the first and second electrodes the predetermined distance with structured elements having a predetermined maximum dimension;
whereby the applied force causes a change in the distance between the first and second electrodes and a related change in the capacitance that can be measured to determine information related to the applied force. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 33, 34, 35)
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36. A capacitive force-based touch sensor assembly, comprising:
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a frame;
a touch sensitive surface; and
multiple force activated devices positioned between the touch sensitive surface and the frame for detecting an applied force to the touch sensitive surface due to a touch input, each device comprising;
first and second electrodes spaced apart a predetermined distance from each other when in a rest position, a measurable capacitance existing between the first and second electrodes;
structured elements having a predetermined maximum dimension positioned between the first and second electrodes to control the predetermined distance;
whereby the applied force causes a change in the direction between the first and second electrodes and a related change in the capacitance, and the change in capacitance of each device can be measured to determine information related to the location of the touch input to the touch sensitive surface. - View Dependent Claims (37, 38)
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39. A monitor having force-based touch capabilities, the monitor comprising:
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a screen; and
a force activated device positioned adjacent the screen for detecting an applied force to the screen, the device comprising;
first and second electrodes spaced apart a predetermined distance from each other when in a rest position, a measurable capacitance existing between the first and second electrodes;
structured elements having a predetermined maximum dimension positioned between the first and second electrodes to control the predetermined distance;
whereby the applied force causes a change in the distance between the first and second electrodes and a related change in the capacitance that can be measured to determine information related to the applied force.
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40. A connecting material for use in a capacitive device capable of detecting differences in an applied force over a continuous range of applied force including zerio force, the device including opposing first and second electrodes mounted to a substrate and spaced apart a predetermined distance when in a rest state, the sensor having a capacitance controlled by the relative spacing between the first and second electrodes, the connecting material comprising:
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curable material; and
structured elements mixed within the curable material, the structured elements having a predetermined dimension;
whereby the connecting material is used to mount the first electrode to the substrate to control the predetermined distance with the structured elements. - View Dependent Claims (41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46)
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Specification