Asymmetric Auxiliary Electrode Layout for Low-Visibility Touch Sensors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices face challenges in achieving high touch sensitivity and maintaining low visibility, particularly due to the visibility of sensor structures and interference from external light reflections.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device incorporates a touch structure with asymmetrically designed auxiliary electrodes between sensor electrodes, which are electrically disconnected and do not receive additional signals, enhancing touch sensitivity while minimizing visibility and reducing sensor recognition through external light reflection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If sensor structures are added to improve touch sensitivity, then touch sensitivity is improved, but visibility deteriorates due to sensor recognition through external light reflection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetouch sensitivityVSAvoidvisibility of sensor structures
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by designing auxiliary electrodes with different shapes on opposite sides. The first auxiliary electrode has a first shape facing the first sensor electrode and a second shape facing the second sensor electrode, where the first shape and second shape are different. This asymmetric design creates different capacitance values for adjacent sensor electrodes, enabling the sensor to distinguish between touch input and auxiliary electrode interference, thereby improving touch sensitivity while maintaining visibility by allowing the auxiliary electrodes to be positioned without compromising aesthetic appearance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Measurement precision

If auxiliary electrodes are added between sensor electrodes to enhance sensitivity, then touch sensitivity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetouch sensitivityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the auxiliary electrode function with the existing electrode structure by positioning auxiliary electrodes between sensor electrodes and integrating them into the same capacitive sensing system. The auxiliary electrodes share the same basic structure and material properties as the sensor electrodes, combining multiple functions (sensing and interference cancellation) within a unified electrode architecture rather than adding separate complex components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by making each auxiliary electrode have different shapes on different sides (first shape facing first sensor electrode, second shape facing second sensor electrode). This localized variation in geometry allows each auxiliary electrode to be optimally configured for its specific position and function, improving overall system performance without requiring complete redesign of all electrodes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 improves touch sensitivity and reduces the visibility of sensor structures, providing a more pleasant user experience by maintaining high sensitivity and reducing external light interference.

Implementation Method 1

the touch structure includes a plurality of first sensor electrodes SP1, a plurality of second sensor electrodes SP2, and a plurality of auxiliary electrodes IMP

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP3748479B1Electronic device
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP3748479B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3748479B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3748479B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

An electronic device includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a third electrode. The first electrode includes a first boundary side extending in a direction. The second electrode includes a second boundary side extending in the direction. The third electrode is disposed between and spaced apart from the first electrode and the second electrode. The third electrode includes a first side facing the first boundary side and a second side facing the second boundary. The first side and the second side have shapes that are asymmetric to each other with respect to a center axis extending in the direction.