Capacitive Touch Panel Single-Layer Conductive Layer Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-layer constructions for touchscreens require two strip conductor planes separated by an insulator, which complicates the production of transparent and cost-effective sensor-controlled touchscreens.
Innovation Solution
A single-layer multi-layer body with a transparent carrier substrate and a partially transparent electrically conductive layer, featuring electrically conductive transmission, receiving, and connection areas formed by non-transparent tracks, where transmission and receiving areas are galvanically separated and connected via connection areas, allowing for high transparency and cost-effective production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a multi-layer construction with two strip conductor planes separated by an insulator is used, then touch panel functionality is achieved, but production complexity increases and transparency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the two separate strip conductor planes into a single layer, integrating transmission areas, receiving areas, and connection areas in one conductive layer. This eliminates the need for multiple insulator layers and simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining touch panel functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a three-dimensional multi-layer construction to a two-dimensional single-layer design by arranging all conductive elements (transmission, receiving, and connection areas) within the same plane, thereby reducing structural complexity and improving transparency.
2Illumination intensity
If a multi-layer construction with two strip conductor planes is used, then touch panel functionality is achieved, but transparency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By combining all conductive elements into a single layer, the patent reduces the number of opaque interfaces and material layers, thereby improving light transmission and overall transparency of the touch panel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses narrow conductive tracks with specific width dimensions that are optimized to minimize light blocking while maintaining electrical conductivity. The tracks are strategically positioned and sized to provide local conductivity where needed without compromising overall transparency.
3Illumination intensity
If narrow conductive tracks are used to maintain transparency, then transparency is improved, but electrical conductivity may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the width parameter of the conductive tracks to a specific range that balances optical transparency and electrical conductivity. By carefully controlling the track width, the design achieves sufficient conductivity for touch sensing while minimizing light blocking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite conductive structures that combine transparent conductive materials with optimized geometric patterns, achieving both high transparency and adequate electrical conductivity through material composition and structural design.
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 enables the production of touchscreens with high transparency and reduced production costs by integrating touch panels and wiring in a single layer, while maintaining functionality and transparency.
Implementation Method 1
a partial electrically conductive first layer which is transparent for the human eye at least in the first area, and which, in the first area, has electrically conductive transmission areas, receiving areas and connection areas, which are each formed by a pattern of electrically conductive, non-transparent tracks
Implementation Method 2
a carrier substrate which is transparent at least in the first area and a partial electrically conductive first layer which is transparent for the human eye at least in the first area
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-layer body has a transparent first area which comprises a plurality of touch panels in the first area with a carrier substrate transparent in the first area, and a partially electrically conductive first layer transparent at least in the first area. The first layer has, in the first area, electrically conductive transmission areas, receiving areas and connection areas each formed by a pattern of electrically conductive, non-transparent tracks whose width in the first area is such that the electrically conductive transmission areas, receiving areas and connection areas are transparent. One of the electrically conductive transmission areas and one of the electrically conductive receiving areas are in each touch panel in the first layer and galvanically separated from each other on both sides of a gap separating them, wherein n transmission areas of different touch panels in the first layer are electrically connected to each other and to a contact area outside the first area in the first layer via one of the electrically conductive connection areas of the first layer, and m receiving areas of different touch panels in the first layer are electrically connected to each other and to a contact area formed outside the first area in the first layer via one of the electrically conductive connection areas formed in the first layer, wherein n≧ and m≧2.