Flexible Touch Panel Neutral Plane Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Flexible touch panels and display devices face durability issues due to repetitive bending, particularly with touch sensor layers made of transparent conductive oxides that are prone to brittleness and damage under stress.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a compensation film with a multilayer structure between the touch sensor layer and the flexible substrate, which positions a neutral plane within the touch sensor layer when bent, distributing tension and compression to prevent significant expansion or contraction and conceal wiring units with a covering member or decoration pattern.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a touch sensor layer made of transparent conductive oxide is used, then touch sensing function is achieved, but the layer becomes brittle and prone to damage under bending stress

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedurability of touch sensor layerVSAvoidbrittleness of transparent conductive oxide

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the brittle transparent conductive oxide layer with a flexible alternative material or structure that can withstand bending stresses. This is achieved by using thin film structures that maintain the necessary electrical conductivity while providing the required flexibility and durability for repetitive bending operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite material structures combining multiple layers with different properties. The touch sensor layer is integrated with flexible substrate materials and protective layers, creating a composite structure where the brittle oxide is either replaced or protected, allowing the overall assembly to flex without damage while maintaining touch sensing functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Measurement precision

If the touch sensor layer is positioned closer to the outer surface for better touch sensitivity, then sensing accuracy improves, but the layer becomes more susceptible to bending damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetouch sensing accuracyVSAvoidresistance to bending damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses flexible thin film structures that allow the touch sensor layer to be positioned optimally for sensitivity while maintaining flexibility. The thin film architecture enables the sensor to remain close to the outer surface for accurate touch detection without being directly exposed to maximum bending stresses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates protective layers and cushioning structures between the touch sensor layer and the outer surface. These protective elements absorb and distribute bending stresses before they reach the sensitive touch sensor layer, allowing optimal positioning for sensitivity while protecting against damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If wiring units are exposed for electrical connection, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but the appearance is compromised and reliability under bending is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connectivityVSAvoidconcealment configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the wiring units with the flexible substrate or protective layers, integrating the electrical connections into the overall flexible structure. This allows the wiring to be concealed within or alongside other components, maintaining electrical connectivity while improving appearance and protecting the connections during bending operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses flexible encapsulating films or shells that cover the wiring units while maintaining flexibility. These thin film coverings protect the electrical connections from environmental damage and mechanical stress during bending, while allowing the wiring to remain accessible for electrical connectivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 enhances the durability and reliability of flexible touch panels and display devices by preventing damage to the touch sensor layer during repetitive bending, maintaining original length and concealing wiring units without additional concealment configurations.

Implementation Method 1

a compensation film that overlaps the touch sensor layer and is configured to enable a neutral plane associated with the flexible touch panel to be positioned in the touch sensor layer when the flexible touch panel is bent

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNeutral plane positioning:

Implementation Method 2

a viscoelastic layer positioned between the compensation film and the flexible display panel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectViscoelasticity: Viscoelasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10488884B2Flexible touch panel and flexible display device

Publication Date: 2019.11.26 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

A flexible touch panel may include a flexible substrate. The flexible touch panel may further include a touch sensor layer that overlaps the flexible substrate. The flexible touch panel may further include a compensation film that overlaps the touch sensor layer and is configured to enable a neutral plane associated with the flexible touch panel to be positioned in the touch sensor layer when the flexible touch panel is bent.