Touch sensing apparatus and method for assembly

A touch sensing apparatus, comprising:

• a panel comprising a top surface that includes a touch surface, a back surface, and an edge surface;
• a plurality of light emitters arranged along a periphery of the panel;
• a support structure configured to be positioned around the periphery of the panel, the support structure comprising:
• a first portion extending substantially parallel to the edge surface,
• a second portion extending over an edge portion of the top surface of the panel;
• and
• a sealing element configured to be fitted between the edge portion of the top surface and the second portion of the support structure, wherein the sealing element contacts both the edge portion of the top surface and the second portion of the support structure.

A touch sensing apparatus, comprising:

• a panel comprising a top surface that includes a touch surface, a back surface, and an edge surface;
• a plurality of light emitters arranged along a periphery of the panel;
• a support structure configured to be positioned along an edge of the panel, the support structure comprising:
• a first portion extending substantially parallel to the edge surface,
• a second portion extending over an edge portion of the top surface of the panel;
• and
• a sealing element being sealable between the edge portion of the top surface and the second portion of the support structure by being in contact with both the edge portion of the top surface and the second portion of the support structure.

A method of manufacturing a touch sensing apparatus, the method comprising:

• providing a panel comprising a top surface that includes a touch surface, a back surface, and an edge surface;
• mounting a plurality of light emitters and a plurality of light detectors on a support structure;
• positioning the support structure around a periphery of the panel, the support structure including a first portion extending substantially parallel to the edge surface, and a second portion extending over an edge portion of the top surface of the panel, the second portion being separated by a space from the edge portion of the top surface;
• and
• mounting a sealing element in the space, the sealing element being configured to be fitted between the edge portion of the top surface and the second portion of the support structure, wherein the sealing element contacts both the edge portion of the top surface and the second portion of the support structure.