Curved Touch Control Device with Laser-Formed Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional touch control devices, such as PCB and film types, face challenges in implementing multi-curved surfaces due to height differences and difficulties in attaching overlays with curved surfaces, limiting design freedom and productivity, and experiencing issues with bubble formation during overlay bonding.
Innovation Solution
A touch control device with a base featuring metal complexes, electrode grooves, sensor electrodes, via holes, and connection electrodes formed using a laser process, allowing for a capacitive touch system with improved design flexibility and simplified manufacturing, enabling uniform overlay bonding and attachment of various materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If PCB type touch control devices are used, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to multi-curved surfaces deteriorates due to height differences between center and outline
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible substrate instead of a rigid PCB, allowing the touch control device to conform to multi-curved surfaces while maintaining structural integrity. The flexible substrate can be bent and shaped to match complex surface geometries without the height difference issues that plague rigid PCB implementations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifically addresses curved surface implementations by designing the touch control device with curved electrode patterns and flexible substrate geometry that match the target surface curvature. This allows the device to be integrated into vehicles with complex dashboard contours and curved display surfaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If film type touch control devices are used, then adaptability to curved surfaces is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to difficulty in implementing various curvatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-forms the flexible substrate and electrode patterns during the manufacturing process to match the desired curved geometry. By preparing the flexible substrate with pre-defined curvature and electrode layouts before final assembly, the device can achieve complex curved surfaces while maintaining manufacturing efficiency and consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent varies the physical parameters of the flexible substrate including thickness, material composition, and curvature radius to optimize both the ease of manufacturing and the ability to achieve specific curved surface configurations. Different substrate parameters allow for tailored solutions for different curvature requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If overlays are attached to curved touch panels, then design freedom is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to bubble formation between overlay and touch panel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts air bubbles from the bonding interface between the overlay and touch panel during the manufacturing process. By providing escape paths or using vacuum techniques to remove trapped air, the patent achieves uniform bonding without bubbles that would compromise manufacturing precision or display quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an adhesive layer as an intermediary between the overlay and touch panel that facilitates uniform bonding. The adhesive material is selected to accommodate curved surfaces while maintaining strong adhesion, and the bonding process is optimized to ensure complete contact without trapping air pockets.
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 enables the creation of touch control devices with curved surfaces of multiple curvatures, enhancing design freedom, productivity, and ensuring uniform overlay attachment, while improving touch performance and input accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
detects an input position by sensing a change in capacitance between electrodes when an input means, such as a finger comes into contact with the touch control device
Implementation Method 2
an electrode groove formed in a touch area of the base; a via hole penetrating the base
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a touch control device. The touch control device includes a touch panel having a curved surface shape of multiple curvatures. The touch control device includes a base including a metal complex, an electrode groove formed in a touch area of the base, a plurality of sensor electrodes formed on the electrode groove, each including a conductive material, a via hole penetrating the base, a connection electrode connecting the plurality of sensor electrodes through the via hole and an integrated circuit coupled to the base and connected to the sensor electrodes to sense a change in capacitance of the sensor electrodes.