Apple Inc.
Force sensor with strain relief

Abstract:

A transparent force sensor for detecting an applied force on a surface of a device. The transparent force sensor includes a transparent force-sensitive film having an array of strain-relief features oriented along a first direction. The transparent force-sensitive film is formed from a transparent piezoelectric material that exhibits a substantially reduced net charge when strained along a primary direction. The force sensor also includes a display element disposed on one side of the transparent force-sensitive film.