Electrode Connection Unit with Holes for Crack Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge in manufacturing touch screen panels and image display devices is the occurrence of cracks during the process of electrically connecting soft material substrates with anisotropic conductive films, leading to product failure and increased manufacturing damage.

Innovation Solution

An electrode connection unit with a metallic core part and a conductive nonmetallic coating layer, featuring a plurality of first holes arranged to disperse pressure and increase flexibility, thereby preventing crack formation and reducing manufacturing damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a soft material substrate is used for the pad part, then flexibility and ease of mounting are improved, but cracks occur during the ACF contacting process

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidcrack resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The pad part is divided into an upper pad layer and a lower pad layer separated by a through-hole. This segmentation allows the upper pad to maintain flexibility for ACF mounting while the lower pad provides structural support, preventing cracks during the contacting process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A support structure is introduced as an intermediary element between the soft upper pad and the rigid substrate. This support structure reinforces the pad area during ACF contacting, preventing crack formation while maintaining the flexibility needed for proper mounting

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If the pad part is made soft for easier ACF contact, then ease of manufacture is improved, but damage during manufacturing increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveACF contact processVSAvoidmanufacturing damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Dividing the pad into upper and lower layers with a through-hole between them allows the structure to maintain softness for easy ACF contact while the lower layer and support structure prevent manufacturing damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure acts as a cushioning element positioned beforehand to protect the soft pad material from damage during ACF contacting and other manufacturing processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 electrode connection unit effectively disperses pressure, preventing crack occurrence and diffusion, enhancing product lifespan and enabling rapid response and high sensitivity in touch screen panels.

Implementation Method 1

a pressure applied to the electrode connection unit may be dispersed, thereby to prevent an occurrence or diffusion of cracks

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure dispersion:

Implementation Method 2

a conductive nonmetallic coating layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS10942599B2Electrode connection and electric device comprising the same

Publication Date: 2021.03.09 DONGWOO FINE CHEM CO LTD

AI summary

An electrode connection unit is to be electrically connected with electrode terminals. The electrode connection unit includes a metallic core part having a plurality of first holes therein and a conductive nonmetallic coating layer on the metallic core part. An image display device and a touch screen panel include the electrode connection unit.