Flexible Metal Mesh Touch Panel Zigzag Pin Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional touch panel technologies using indium tin oxide (ITO) are not suitable for flexible display devices due to brittleness and high impedance issues, especially when a metal mesh structure is used, leading to potential open circuits and reduced contact areas.
Innovation Solution
A method for manufacturing a touch panel involving a substrate with a first and second metal layer, where the electrodes and pins are electrically interconnected, patterned in a zigzag manner, and connected by lead wires, allowing for flexible and low-impedance capacitive touch functionality suitable for flexible display devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If ITO material is used for driving electrodes and sensing electrodes, then the touch panel can be manufactured with conventional processes, but the touch panel becomes brittle and unsuitable for flexible display devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from ITO (indium tin oxide) to metal materials such as aluminum, copper, or silver. This material substitution fundamentally alters the mechanical properties, transforming the electrode from brittle to flexible, thereby enabling the touch panel to be applied to flexible display devices while maintaining electrical conductivity and touch functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structure consisting of metal electrodes combined with insulating layers (such as silicon nitride or silicon oxide) and protective layers. This composite material approach allows the electrode to achieve both flexibility from the metal and structural stability from the insulating and protective layers, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and manufacturability
2Strength
If metal mesh structure is used to replace ITO, then flexibility is improved, but the contact area between conductive material ends decreases leading to high connection impedance or open circuit risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar metal mesh structure to a three-dimensional structure by adding insulating layers above and below the metal electrode, and forming protruding portions that extend toward the opposing electrode. This dimensional enhancement increases the effective contact area and reduces impedance while maintaining flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent forms protruding portions on the metal electrode surface in advance, before the touch panel is assembled. These pre-formed protrusions ensure adequate contact area with the opposing electrode, preventing high impedance and open circuit issues that would otherwise occur with flat metal mesh structures
3Device complexity
If driving electrodes and sensing electrodes are arranged in the same layer with bridge structure, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the connection impedance increases and open circuit risk rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates driving electrodes and sensing electrodes into different layers by introducing insulating layers between them. This vertical layering reduces the contact resistance at connection points while maintaining the bridge structure's manufacturing simplicity, effectively lowering connection impedance without increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces insulating layers as intermediary elements between the metal electrode and opposing structures. These insulating layers (such as silicon nitride or silicon oxide) prevent direct contact where short circuits would occur, while allowing controlled electrical contact through protruding portions, thereby reducing impedance and preventing open circuits
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a method for manufacturing touch panel, comprising: providing a substrate, and forming a first metal layer on the substrate; patterning the first metal layer to form a first electrode and a first pin, electrically interconnected; forming an insulating layer on the first electrode, and forming an opening in the insulating layer to expose the first pin; forming a second metal layer on the insulating layer, patterning the second metal layer to form a second electrode and a second pin, electrically interconnected; the first electrode being disposed opposite to the second electrode, the second pin being formed inside the opening, the first and second pins being arranged in a zigzag manner. The invention also provides a touch panel and a display device. The first and second electrodes form capacitive touch panel with touch function. The metal-made first and second electrodes are bendable and suitable for flexible display device.