Flexible Touch Panel Crack Prevention via Segmented Conductive Patterns

The conductive pattern is divided into multiple separate conductive regions instead of forming a continuous pattern. This segmentation prevents crack propagation across the entire pattern when the flexible substrate bends, as cracks in one region do not automatically affect other regions. The conductive pattern comprises first, second, third, and fourth conductive regions that are electrically connected through conductive vias, maintaining functionality while preventing catastrophic failure.

The patent designs the conductive pattern with intentional gaps and separate regions before bending occurs, creating a structure that anticipates and prepares for stress during flexing. This pre-engineered segmentation acts as a cushioning mechanism that absorbs bending stress and prevents crack formation in the first place, rather than attempting to repair cracks after they occur.

The patent compensates for the reduced dimension of individual conductive regions by utilizing the vertical dimension through multiple layers. Conductive vias connect corresponding conductive regions across different layers, effectively creating a three-dimensional conductive network. This allows the pattern to maintain adequate sensing capability despite reduced in-plane dimensions of individual regions.

Multiple conductive regions across different layers are merged through electrical connection via conductive vias to form a unified conductive system. The first, second, third, and fourth conductive regions are electrically connected to their corresponding regions in other layers, combining their sensing capabilities while maintaining the reduced dimension necessary for crack prevention in the bending region.