Conductive Film with Stepped Pattern for Flexible Touch Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conductive films used in touch panels and display devices face challenges due to the high cost, low productivity, and inflexibility of indium tin oxide, which is not suitable for large-sized or flexible electronic devices.
Innovation Solution
A conductive film with a nano-material network structure is used, formed on a base member with a stepped pattern, and covered by an over-coating layer, allowing for efficient touch sensing without additional patterning processes, enhancing electrical properties and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If indium tin oxide is used as the transparent conductive thin film, then the electrical conductivity is improved, but the cost increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive indium tin oxide with a combination of inexpensive materials: aluminum quinacridone complex as the main conductive material and zinc oxide nanorods as the supporting matrix. This substitution dramatically reduces material cost while maintaining electrical conductivity through the synergistic interaction between the organic complex and inorganic nanorods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure where aluminum quinacridone complex is deposited on zinc oxide nanorods. This composite material combines the high electrical conductivity of the organic complex with the mechanical strength and transparency of the inorganic nanorod matrix, achieving superior overall performance compared to pure indium tin oxide.
2Reliability
If indium tin oxide is used as the transparent conductive thin film, then the electrical conductivity is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive indium tin oxide with a combination of inexpensive materials: aluminum quinacridone complex as the main conductive material and zinc oxide nanorods as the supporting matrix. This substitution dramatically reduces material cost while maintaining electrical conductivity through the synergistic interaction between the organic complex and inorganic nanorods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the vacuum deposition process traditionally required for indium tin oxide with a solution-based coating method. The aluminum quinacridone complex is dissolved in a solvent and applied to the zinc oxide nanorod substrate, then dried to form the conductive film. This substitution eliminates expensive vacuum equipment requirements and simplifies the manufacturing process.
3Reliability
If indium tin oxide is used as the transparent conductive thin film, then the electrical conductivity is improved, but the flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a flexible conductive film by depositing aluminum quinacridone complex on a substrate covered with zinc oxide nanorods. The nanorod structure provides mechanical flexibility and bendability, while the organic complex layer maintains electrical conductivity. This combination enables the conductive film to be applied to flexible and wearable electronic devices, unlike rigid indium tin oxide.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure where aluminum quinacridone complex is deposited on zinc oxide nanorods. This composite material combines the high electrical conductivity of the organic complex with the mechanical strength and transparency of the inorganic nanorod matrix, achieving superior overall performance compared to pure indium tin oxide.
4Reliability
If indium tin oxide is used as the transparent conductive thin film, then the electrical conductivity is improved, but the applicability to large-sized devices decreases due to high resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material composition and structure to achieve lower resistance. By using aluminum quinacridone complex with high intrinsic conductivity on zinc oxide nanorods, the film achieves sufficiently low resistance even at large areas, enabling application to large-sized display devices and touch panels without the resistance limitations that constrain indium tin oxide.
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 the electrical conductivity and flexibility of the conductive film, simplifies the manufacturing process, and reduces costs, making it suitable for large-sized and flexible electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
forming a sensor electrode part located on the stepped part by drying the coating layer so as to be spaced apart from the remaining portion in the active area
Data Source
AI summary
A conductive film for a touch panel used for a touch panel and including, a base member comprising a concave portion or a protruding portion and having a stepped portion having a pattern corresponding to a pattern for touch sensing in an effective area; and a sensor electrode comprising a sensor electrode portion formed over the stepped portion in the effective area so as to correspond to the same.