Flexible Touch Sensor with Integrated Antenna
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current touch sensors often require separate manufacturing processes for touch sensing and antenna components, leading to increased costs and complexity in compact design implementations.
Innovation Solution
Integrating touch sensors and radiating elements, such as antennas, on the same substrate using shared processing steps, allowing for simultaneous formation of both touch position sensing and antenna capabilities in a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If separate manufacturing processes are used for touch sensing and antenna components, then manufacturing precision and component reliability are maintained, but manufacturing costs increase and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the touch sensor electrodes and antenna elements into a single integrated structure formed by the same conductive material layers. The touch sensor includes first and second electrodes that also serve as antenna elements, eliminating the need for separate antenna components and their associated manufacturing processes. This integration directly reduces manufacturing cost and process complexity while maintaining both touch sensing and antenna functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive material layers in the touch sensor are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: they serve as both touch sensing electrodes and antenna elements for wireless communication. This multi-functionality allows the same structural components to fulfill dual purposes, reducing the total number of components and simplifying the manufacturing process without compromising the reliability of either function.
2Productivity
If separate manufacturing processes are used for touch sensing and antenna components, then component reliability is maintained, but manufacturing time and production efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The touch sensor electrodes are designed and positioned during the initial manufacturing process to simultaneously serve as antenna elements. By pre-planning the dual functionality of the conductive layers, the patent eliminates the need for subsequent antenna assembly steps, thereby reducing total manufacturing time and improving production efficiency without compromising component reliability.
3Area of stationary object
If integrated design is used for touch sensors and antennas, then device compactness and cost-effectiveness improve, but manufacturing precision challenges arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different structural characteristics to different regions of the same conductive material layers. The electrode patterns are designed with specific geometries that optimize both touch sensing performance and antenna radiation characteristics in their respective regions. This localized optimization allows the integrated structure to achieve compact dimensions while maintaining the manufacturing precision required for both functions through region-specific design adjustments.
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 approach reduces manufacturing costs and enables a compact design by combining touch sensing and antenna functions in a single process, enhancing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of touch-sensitive panel production.
Implementation Method 1
a radiating element 306, such as an antenna, disposed on the substrate 302
Implementation Method 2
When an object touches or comes within proximity of the surface of the capacitive touch screen, a change in capacitance may occur within the touch screen at the location of the touch or proximity
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, an apparatus includes one or more flexible substrates having flexible conductive material disposed thereon and a radiating element disposed on a first region of the flexible substrates. The radiating element includes a first portion of the flexible conductive material. The apparatus includes a touch-sensing area disposed on a second region of the flexible substrates. The touch-sensing area includes multiple electrodes that each include a respective second portion of the flexible conductive material disposed on the flexible substrates. The electrodes are configured to sense touch of an object at the touch-sensing area.