Foldable Display Touch Electrodes Graphene Metal Mesh
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable display devices face challenges in maintaining high light transmittance and electric conductivity while resisting cracking and damage, especially in the folding portions, due to the limitations of traditional transparent electrodes like ITO, which are prone to cracking and damage when repeatedly folded and unfolded.
Innovation Solution
The use of a touch screen panel with touch electrodes on the folding axis featuring a graphene layer, a metal mesh layer, and an adhesion metal mesh layer, along with a refractive index matching layer, to enhance the structural integrity and conductivity of the folding portion, and a method of manufacturing that includes disposing these layers on a transparent substrate to ensure high light transmittance and resistance to damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional transparent electrodes like ITO are used, then high light transmittance is achieved, but cracking and damage occur when repeatedly folded and unfolded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite electrode structure combining graphene layer and metal mesh layer. The graphene layer provides flexibility and crack resistance through its two-dimensional structure, while the metal mesh layer ensures electrical conductivity. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by integrating materials with complementary properties to achieve both high light transmittance and durability in folding portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes thin film structures including the graphene layer and transparent substrate to create a flexible electrode system. The graphene layer, being a two-dimensional material, can bend and fold without cracking, while the transparent substrate maintains structural integrity. This thin film approach enables the electrode to withstand repeated folding while preserving optical properties.
2Reliability
If graphene layer is used on folding axis, then flexibility and crack resistance are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electrode into distinct segments: a graphene layer positioned specifically on the folding axis where flexibility is most needed, and a metal mesh layer positioned elsewhere for conductivity. This segmentation allows each material to be optimized for its specific function and simplifies the manufacturing process by targeting graphene deposition only to the critical folding regions rather than the entire electrode surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different material properties to different locations within the electrode structure. The graphene layer is locally positioned on the folding axis to provide maximum flexibility and crack resistance where bending occurs, while the metal mesh layer is positioned in regions requiring electrical conductivity. This local quality differentiation optimizes performance while managing manufacturing complexity by applying specialized materials only where necessary.
3Strength
If metal mesh layer adheres to graphene layer lateral surface, then adhesion strength is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adhesion metal mesh layer as an intermediary between the graphene layer and the metal mesh layer. This intermediate layer is specifically positioned at the boundary portion where the graphene layer meets the metal mesh layer, creating a gradual transition and improving interfacial adhesion. The intermediary layer reduces the direct alignment precision requirements between the graphene and metal mesh layers by providing a buffering zone that accommodates minor positioning variations.
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
The solution provides a foldable display device with improved bending characteristics, high light transmittance, and high electric conductivity, effectively preventing cracks and damage in the folding portions, thus enhancing the durability and performance of the device.
Implementation Method 1
The first grapheme layer may be along the folding axis on a transparent substrate
Implementation Method 2
The first metal mesh layer may be on the transparent substrate to adhere to a lateral surface of the first graphene layer
Implementation Method 3
The touch screen panel may further include a refractive index matching layer on the first graphene layer and the first adhesion metal mesh layer
Data Source
AI summary
A display device includes a touch screen panel folded based on a folding axis, and at least one touch electrode on the folding axis. Each of the touch electrodes on the folding axis may include a graphene layer, a metal mesh layer, and an adhesion metal mesh layer. The grapheme layer may be along the folding axis on a transparent substrate. The first metal mesh layer may be on the transparent substrate to adhere to a lateral surface of the first graphene layer. The first adhesion metal mesh layer may be on a boundary portion between the first graphene layer and the first metal mesh layer.