Embedded Touch Module Electrodes for Optical Consistency
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacturing process of touch modules often results in uneven refractive indexes, affecting the optical consistency of the final product due to the etching process used to pattern touch electrodes.
Innovation Solution
The touch module design embeds first and second touch electrodes, an electrode channel, and a bridge within a substrate, with the electrodes being electrically insulated from each other, eliminating the need for an etching process to pattern them, thereby maintaining optical consistency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If an etching process is used to pattern touch electrodes, then the touch electrodes can be isolated from each other, but the refractive index becomes uneven affecting optical consistency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful etching process from the manufacturing workflow. Instead of using etching to pattern electrodes, the invention embeds pre-formed electrodes directly into the substrate through a filling process, completely removing the source of refractive index variation while maintaining electrode isolation and patterning capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical etching process with a mechanical/embedding process. electrodes are inserted into pre-formed cavities in the substrate through a filling and solidification process, substituting chemical removal with physical placement to achieve patterning without compromising optical uniformity
2Manufacturing precision
If an etching process is used to pattern touch electrodes, then the touch electrodes can be isolated from each other, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the etching step from the manufacturing process entirely. By embedding electrodes into pre-formed cavities, the process eliminates multiple etching stages, cleaning steps, and associated quality controls, significantly simplifying the manufacturing workflow while maintaining precise electrode patterning
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-forming cavities in the substrate before electrode insertion. This reverse sequencing - creating the negative space first, then filling it with electrodes - eliminates the need for subsequent etching and pattern transfer steps, streamlining the entire manufacturing process
3Manufacturing precision
If an etching process is used to pattern touch electrodes, then the touch electrodes can be isolated from each other, but additional protective layers are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrode isolation function with the substrate structure itself. By embedding electrodes into cavities formed within the substrate, the substrate simultaneously provides mechanical support, electrical isolation, and optical uniformity, eliminating the need for separate protective and insulating layers that would add structural complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A touch module and a manufacturing method thereof are disclosed. The touch module includes a substrate, at least two first touch electrodes, at least two second touch electrodes, at least one electrode channel, and at least one bridge. All of the first touch electrodes, the second touch electrodes, and the electrode channel are embedded in the substrate. The electrode channel is configured to connect the second touch electrodes to each other. The bridge crosses over the electrode channel, is configured to electrically connect the first touch electrodes to each other. The first touch electrodes and the second touch electrodes are insulated from each other.