Edge-Extending Connection Structures for Wearable Touch Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable touch devices, such as smartwatches, face challenges in reducing the border width of touch panels to achieve higher integration density and smaller size while maintaining effective signal transmission and durability.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates connection structures extending from the edges of the touch panel that are perpendicular to the panel, allowing for reduced thickness and size without covering the touch area, and a transmission element with conductive connection lines that securely transmit signals to the external circuit, enhancing durability by maintaining a smaller width adjacent to the touch area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the border width of the touch panel is reduced to achieve higher integration density and smaller size, then the device size and thickness are reduced, but the structural strength and durability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure is divided into multiple segments: a first connection portion extending from the touch panel edge, a second connection portion extending from the external circuit, and a transmission element connecting these portions. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently - the touch panel maintains its reduced size while the connection structure provides the necessary mechanical strength and signal transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection structure extends in the thickness direction (z-axis) rather than only in the plane of the touch panel. By utilizing the thickness dimension, the connection structure can provide adequate mechanical strength and signal transmission path length without increasing the in-plane border width, thus maintaining the reduced device size while ensuring structural integrity.
2Area of moving object
If the border width is reduced to increase touch area, then the effective touch area increases, but the space for signal transmission and circuit connection is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission element and connection structure utilize the thickness direction to establish signal transmission paths. This allows the in-plane border width to be minimized for larger touch area, while the vertical dimension provides sufficient space for signal transmission and circuit connection without interfering with the expanded touch area.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection structure is positioned at the edges of the touch panel where it is least intrusive to the touch area. The first connection portion extends from the edge in the thickness direction, and the transmission element is arranged to connect to the external circuit without covering or interfering with the active touch sensing region, thus maximizing effective touch area while maintaining signal transmission capability.
3Length of moving object
If the touch panel thickness is reduced for compactness, then the device becomes more compact and lightweight, but the durability and resistance to bending damage is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure is segmented into multiple portions that can independently accommodate bending stresses. The first connection portion, second connection portion, and transmission element can flex and deform separately, distributing the mechanical stress from bending across multiple components rather than concentrating it in a single thick structure, thus maintaining durability while allowing reduced panel thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection structure is designed with flexibility to accommodate the bending of thin touch panels. The transmission element and connection portions can flex without breaking, enabling the touch panel to maintain reduced thickness for compactness while the flexible connection structure provides durability against bending damage through its ability to deform elastically.
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 configuration increases the effective touch area, reduces the thickness of the touch panel, and minimizes damage when bent, resulting in a more compact and durable touch device with improved integration density.
Implementation Method 1
a transmission element with conductive connection lines that securely transmit signals to the external circuit
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a touch device. The touch device includes a touch panel and an external circuit. The touch panel is configured to detect touch operations. The external circuit is configured to drive the touch panel. A plurality of connection structures extend from edges of the touch panel towards the external circuit. The plurality of connection structures are electrically conductive and are electrically coupled to the external circuit. The connection structures are configured to transmit touch signals from the touch panel to the external circuit.