Force Sensor with Capacitive Gap Sensing

摘要

A force sensor and force-sensing structure for use as input to an electronic device. A user touch event may be sensed on a display, enclosure, or other surface associated with an electronic device using a force sensor adapted to determine the magnitude of force of the touch event. The sensor output, corresponding to the magnitude of force, may be used as an input signal, input data, or other input information to the electronic device. A force sensor may include an array of upper electrodes disposed on a first substrate and a compliant medium disposed in a gap between the first substrate and a second substrate. At least one lower electrode may be disposed on the second substrate. The first substrate may be configured to deflect relative to the second substrate over a localized region when a force is applied to the force-receiving surface.

主权项

1. An electronic device having a force sensor, the force sensor comprising:
a force-receiving surface forming a portion of an exterior surface of the electronic device; a first substrate having a surface disposed below the force-receiving surface; an array of upper electrodes disposed on the surface of the first substrate; a second substrate separated from the first substrate by a clap; a compliant medium disposed in the gap between the first substrate and the second substrate; and at least one lower electrode disposed on the second substrate, wherein the first substrate is configured to deflect relative to the second substrate over a localized region when a force is applied to the force-receiving surface.