Flexible Touch Panel Side Frame Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional touch electronic devices face a limitation in maximizing the touch display area due to the occupation of surface space by touch keys in the periphery zone, making it difficult to achieve a narrow frame design.
Innovation Solution
A touch panel with a flexible substrate and electrode patterns is integrated into the side frame of a casing unit, allowing touch functionality to be realized on the side frame, thereby maximizing the touch display area without occupying the display zone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If touch keys are placed in the periphery zone, then touch functionality is provided, but the display area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves touch keys from the traditional horizontal periphery zone into the vertical side frame dimension. The flexible substrate is bent to wrap around the side frame, placing touch icons in the vertical space alongside the display rather than consuming horizontal display space, thus resolving the contradiction between providing touch functionality and maximizing display area.
2Ease of operation
If the periphery zone is used for touch keys, then operation control is enabled, but the frame design cannot be narrowed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention relocates control functions from the horizontal periphery to the vertical side frame dimension. By bending the flexible substrate to conform to the side frame, touch keys are positioned in the vertical space, enabling narrow frame design while preserving operation control capabilities.
3Area of stationary object
If the flexible substrate is bent to fit the side frame, then touch icons are positioned in the side frame, but the substrate structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible substrate that can be bent and shaped to conform to the side frame geometry. This flexible film approach allows the touch sensor layer to adapt to the curved side frame surface without requiring complex rigid structures, thus achieving side frame integration while maintaining relatively simple substrate construction.
Data Source
AI summary
A touch panel including a flexible substrate, first and second electrode patterns and a trace structure is mounted inside a casing unit with a main casing and a side frame connected to a periphery of the main casing and provided with a key icon. The substrate is disposed in the casing unit and includes first and second areas respectively corresponding to the main casing and side frame. The first electrode pattern is formed on the substrate at the first area. The second electrode pattern is formed on the substrate at the second area corresponding to the key icon. The trace structure is formed on the substrate with contacts and traces connected among the first electrode pattern, the second electrode pattern and the contacts.