Foldable Touch Sensing Structure With Overlapped Conductive Layers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electronic devices with touch panels attached to the display function are costly, thick, and heavy, and face challenges in integrating touch sensitivity in folding regions, leading to poor performance.

Innovation Solution

A sensing structure comprising a first conductive layer, a second conductive layer with greater thickness, and an insulating layer, where the second conductive layer is partially overlapped with the first, allowing for reduced thickness and improved sensitivity through optimized conductive layer thickness ratios and structural design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a touch panel is attached to the display function in conventional electronic devices, then touch functionality is achieved, but device thickness and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetouch functionalityVSAvoiddevice thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the touch sensing function and display function into a single integrated structure. The sensing structure with first and second conductive layers is formed on the same substrate as the display, eliminating the need for a separate touch panel attachment. This integration reduces device thickness while maintaining both touch functionality and display performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a touch panel is attached to the display function in conventional electronic devices, then touch functionality is achieved, but device weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetouch functionalityVSAvoiddevice weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the touch panel is divided into two pieces to attach to the folding region, then the touch panel can be attached to the folding region, but sensitivity in the folding region becomes poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefolding region integrationVSAvoidtouch sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the conductive layers into multiple layers (first conductive layer and second conductive layer) with different thicknesses and patterns. The second conductive layer has greater thickness and is partially overlapped with the first conductive layer, creating enhanced sensing capability in the folding region while maintaining overall panel integrity and sensitivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different conductive layer configurations to different regions of the display. The second conductive layer with greater thickness is strategically positioned to provide enhanced touch sensitivity in the folding region, while the first conductive layer provides baseline sensing across the entire panel. This local optimization ensures high sensitivity where needed without compromising overall performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 reduces device thickness and weight while enhancing touch sensitivity, particularly in folding regions, by optimizing conductive layer thickness ratios and structural design.

Implementation Method 1

a first conductive layer 181 and a second conductive layer 182... The second conductive layer 182 is disposed on the first conductive layer 181

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS12498831B2Electronic device

Publication Date: 2025.12.16 INNOLUX CORP

AI summary

The present disclosure provides an electronic device including a substrate and a sensing structure. The sensing structure is disposed on the substrate, and includes a first conductive layer, a second conductive layer disposed on the first conductive layer, and an insulating layer disposed between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer. The second conductive layer is at least partially overlapped with the first conductive layer. A thickness of the second conductive layer is greater than a thickness of the first conductive layer.