Capacitive Touch Panel Conductor Pattern Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional capacitive touch panels are thick due to the need for two capacitive sensing layers separated by insulation, complicating manufacturing and hindering miniaturization.

Innovation Solution

A capacitive touch panel with a thin conductor pattern structure featuring first-axis and second-axis conductor assemblies on the same substrate surface, interconnected by conduction lines isolated by an insulation layer, allowing capacitive effects between adjacent cells when touched.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If two capacitive sensing layers are separated by insulation material, then capacitive sensing function is achieved, but panel thickness increases and manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapacitive sensing functionVSAvoidpanel thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges two separate capacitive sensing layers into a single integrated structure where first and second conductor assemblies are formed on the same substrate surface. The insulation layer is positioned only between adjacent conductor assemblies rather than separating entire layers, thereby achieving capacitive sensing functionality while reducing overall panel thickness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a three-layer stacked architecture (two sensing layers separated by insulation) to a planar two-dimensional arrangement where conductor assemblies are distributed on the same surface. This dimensional reorganization eliminates the need for thick inter-layer insulation while preserving capacitive sensing through lateral isolation of conductors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If two capacitive sensing layers are separated by insulation material, then capacitive sensing function is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapacitive sensing functionVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple conductor assemblies and insulation structures into a single integrated manufacturing process. All conductor assemblies are formed on the same substrate surface in one process sequence, eliminating the need for separate layer deposition and alignment steps required for multi-layer capacitive structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the conductor pattern into multiple independent assemblies (first and second conductor assemblies with respective conductor cells) that can be manufactured using identical processes. This modular segmentation allows standardized fabrication techniques to be applied uniformly across the entire structure, simplifying manufacturing compared to custom multi-layer approaches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Length of stationary object

If conductor assemblies are arranged on the same substrate surface, then panel thickness is reduced and manufacturing is simplified, but insulation between adjacent conductors must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepanel thicknessVSAvoidinsulation structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies insulation selectively only where needed—specifically between adjacent first and second conductor assemblies—rather than creating a continuous insulation barrier throughout the structure. This localized insulation approach maintains the thin-profile advantage while providing necessary electrical isolation at critical interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an insulation layer as an intermediary element positioned between adjacent conductor assemblies. This intermediary provides the necessary electrical isolation to prevent signal interference while maintaining a compact, thin overall structure that allows all conductors to reside on the same substrate surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Simplifies the structure, reduces thickness, and facilitates cost-effective manufacturing while maintaining accurate touch position detection.

Implementation Method 1

the first-axis conductor assemblies and the second-axis conductor assemblies that are touched by the user induce capacitive effect between adjacent conductor cells thereof

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS9557780B2Transparent conductor pattern structure of a capacitive touch panel comprising a plurality of conductor cells
Publication Date: 2017.01.31 TRENDON TOUCH TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
  • US9557780B2 patent drawing
  • US9557780B2 patent drawing
  • US9557780B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed is a conductor pattern structure of a capacitive touch panel. First-axis conductor assemblies and second-axis conductor assemblies are formed on a surface of a substrate. Each first-axis conductor assembly includes a plurality of first-axis conductor cells that are interconnected by first-axis conduction lines. An insulation layer is formed on a surface of each first-axis conduction line. Each second-axis conductor assembly includes a plurality of second-axis conductor cells that are interconnected by second-axis conduction lines. Each second-axis conduction line extends across the insulation layer of the associated first-axis conduction line.