Asymmetric Touch Panel Electrodes Reduce Thickness and Cost
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Solution Overview
Problem
Touch panels with complex laminated structures are costly and thick, leading to increased manufacturing costs and reduced price competitiveness due to the need for multiple conductive films and adhesive layers.
Innovation Solution
A touch panel design featuring a base layer with distinct first and second electrodes, each with different sensor units and conductors, including nano metal oxides with varying shapes and densities, which reduces the number of base films and adhesive layers, simplifying the structure and manufacturing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate conductive films and adhesive layers are used to form first and second electrodes, then touch sensing function is achieved, but the structure becomes complicated and the thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the first and second electrodes into a single conductive film, where the first electrode is formed on one surface and the second electrode is formed on the other surface of the same base film. This merging eliminates the need for separate conductive films and adhesive layers, simplifying the laminated structure while maintaining the touch sensing function between the first and second electrodes.
2Reliability
If multiple separate conductive films and adhesive layers are used, then touch sensing function is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By forming both electrodes on a single base film rather than using separate conductive films and adhesive layers, the patent reduces the number of manufacturing steps and materials required. This merging approach lowers material costs and simplifies the production process, making the touch panel more cost-effective while maintaining full touch sensing functionality.
3Ease of manufacture
If identical sensor unit structures are used for first and second electrodes, then manufacturing is simplified, but moiré phenomena and diffuse reflection occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric sensor unit structures for the first and second electrodes. The first sensor unit and second sensor unit have different patterns or configurations, which prevents the formation of moiré phenomena and reduces diffuse reflection. This asymmetric design maintains ease of manufacture through standardized processes while eliminating the visual artifacts caused by identical repeating patterns.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design minimizes the thickness of the touch panel, lowers manufacturing costs, and enhances electrical conductivity and flexibility, while preventing issues associated with identical sensor unit structures, such as moiré phenomena and diffuse reflection.
Implementation Method 1
As the contact area increases, electrical conductivity of the first electrode or the second electrode may increase
Data Source
AI summary
A touch panel and a display device are disclosed. The touch panel includes a base layer, a first electrode formed on a surface of the base layer and including a first sensor unit including a first conductor, and a second electrode formed on another surface of the base layer and including a second sensor unit including a second conductor. A shape of the first conductor is different from a shape of the second conductor.