Asymmetric Wire Geometry for Flexible Touch Window Visibility
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional touch windows face challenges with visibility and reliability due to the use of indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes, which are prone to damage when flexed, and metal wires that obstruct visibility and increase thickness, especially in flexible devices.
Innovation Solution
A touch window design featuring a substrate with a first region for sensing and a second region for electrical connection, where both include conductive patterns to reduce resistance and visibility issues, with the wire and sensing electrodes formed on the same plane to prevent moire phenomena and enhance flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal wires are used for electrical connection, then conductivity is improved, but visibility is deteriorated due to reflection and uniform shape
Solution Approach 1:
The wire cross-section is designed with an asymmetric structure where one surface is inclined at an angle of 10-75 degrees relative to the horizontal plane, while the other surface remains substantially horizontal. This asymmetric geometry causes light to reflect at non-uniform angles, preventing the formation of a uniform reflective pattern that would be visible on the screen. The inclined surface directs reflected light away from the viewer's line of sight, thereby improving visibility while maintaining electrical conductivity.
2Illumination intensity
If wire thickness is reduced to improve visibility, then transparency is improved, but electrical resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wire geometry is optimized by changing the inclination angle parameter of the wire's upper surface. By adjusting this angle within the range of 10-75 degrees, the patent achieves a balance between optical performance (visibility) and electrical performance (conductivity). The specific angle range is determined to provide sufficient light reflection away from the viewer while maintaining adequate cross-sectional area for electrical conduction, thus resolving the trade-off between transparency and resistance.
3Illumination intensity
If ITO is used for transparent electrodes, then transparency is improved, but flexibility is deteriorated due to physical damage when bent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite electrode structure consisting of multiple layers: a first transparent conductive layer (such as ITO) providing transparency, a second transparent conductive layer enhancing conductivity and flexibility, and an insulating layer separating them. This composite structure combines the advantages of different materials - the first layer provides optical transparency, while the second layer and the layered configuration provide mechanical flexibility and damage resistance when bent, thus resolving the contradiction between transparency and flexibility.
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
The solution improves visibility, reduces thickness, and enhances the bending characteristics and reliability of the touch window, allowing for larger screen sizes and more accurate position sensing while maintaining transparency and low resistance.
Implementation Method 1
the total reflection and the vertically uniform shape of the metal make the metallic wire outstand
Data Source
AI summary
A touch window includes a substrate; a sensing electrode on the substrate comprises a conductive pattern including plurality of conductive pattern line parts and a plurality of conductive pattern opening parts; a dummy pattern provided adjacent to the conductive pattern; and a wire connected with the sensing electrode, further a interval between the dummy pattern and the conductive pattern is greater than the line width of the conductive pattern also the plurality of conductive pattern line parts cross each other. In addition, the substrate comprises a flat portion and curved portion.