Capacitive Input Device with Reduced Patterning Processes
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing electrostatic capacitance-type input devices require four patterning processes to form the first electrode, second electrode, interlayer insulating film, and peripheral wirings, leading to low productivity.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves forming an electrostatic capacitance-type input device using three patterning processes with a first translucent conductive film for the electrodes, an interlayer insulating film, and a second translucent conductive film with lower sheet resistance for relay electrodes and peripheral wirings, which are patterned using photolithography technology.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If four patterning processes are used to form first electrode, second electrode, interlayer insulating film, and peripheral wirings, then manufacturing precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the formation of first electrode and second electrode into a single patterning process by using one translucent conductive film layer. It also combines the interlayer insulating film and peripheral wirings into another single patterning process, reducing the total number of patterning steps from four to two while maintaining manufacturing precision
Solution Approach 2:
The translucent conductive film serves multiple functions: it forms both the first electrode and second electrode, and also serves as the interlayer insulating film when patterned appropriately. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate manufacturing processes required
2Reliability
If metal film is used for peripheral wirings, then electrical conductivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The translucent conductive film performs dual functions as both the insulating layer and the peripheral wiring material. By controlling the patterning process, the same material layer provides both electrical insulation where needed and electrical conduction for peripheral wirings, eliminating the need for separate metal film layers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the sheet resistance parameter of the translucent conductive film to optimize its dual function. The film is designed with specific sheet resistance values that allow it to function effectively both as an insulating layer and as conductive peripheral wirings, achieving low resistance without requiring metal materials
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 approach increases productivity by reducing the number of patterning processes and allows for the configuration of low-resistance peripheral wirings without using metal films, while maintaining electrical connectivity and redundancy for signal transfer.
Implementation Method 1
a first translucent conductive film that configures a first electrode that extends in a first direction in an input area on a substrate and second electrodes that extend in a second direction intersecting the first direction in the input area... a second translucent conductive film that configures relay electrodes... with sheet resistance lower than that of the first translucent conductive film
Data Source
AI summary
An electrostatic capacitance-type input device includes: a first translucent conductive film that configures a first electrode that extends in a first direction in an input area on a substrate and second electrodes that extend in a second direction intersecting the first direction in the input area and are disconnected in intersection portions with the first electrode; an interlayer insulating film that is formed at least in areas overlapping the intersection portions; and a second translucent conductive film that configures relay electrodes formed on the interlayer insulating film to have sheet resistance lower than that of the first translucent conductive film and electrically connecting the second electrodes disconnected in the intersection portion by being electrically connected to the second electrodes in an area in which the interlayer insulating film is not formed and a peripheral wiring extending in a peripheral area of the substrate located to the outer side of the input area.