Folding Touch Sensor Reducing Visible Borders
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional touch sensors often have visible borders that can detract from the user experience and limit design flexibility, as they require electrodes and connection pads that extend to the edges of the screen, making it difficult to create seamless touch-sensitive interfaces.
Innovation Solution
The touch sensor system incorporates a design where one or more borders can be reduced or eliminated by folding the touch sensor around the display, using tracks and connection pads that are placed on the substrate's edges, allowing for a more compact and edgeless touch-sensitive area, while maintaining functionality through capacitive sensing technology.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrodes and connection pads are extended to the edges of the screen, then the touch sensor can function properly, but visible borders are created that detract from user experience and limit design flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the connection pads from the front surface (2D plane) to the edge/border region of the substrate, effectively utilizing the third dimension (depth/edge) to relocate components that would otherwise be visible. This dimensional transition allows connection pads to be positioned where they are functionally accessible but visually hidden, resolving the contradiction between functionality and aesthetic appearance.
2Area of stationary object
If electrodes are placed at the edges of the substrate, then connection pads can be positioned on edges for compact design, but the touch-sensitive area becomes limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the substrate into distinct functional zones: a central touch-sensitive area for user interaction and edge regions for housing electrodes and connection pads. This spatial segmentation allows the touch-sensitive area to maximize its size while electrodes and connection pads are confined to the perimeter regions, resolving the contradiction between area and complexity.
3Shape
If borders are reduced or eliminated, then seamless touch interface is achieved, but tracks and connection pads must be relocated to edge positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates tracks and connection pads from the front surface to the edge/border region of the substrate, utilizing the vertical/edge dimension to position components that would otherwise interfere with achieving borderless design. This dimensional relocation simplifies the front appearance while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through edge-mounted connections.
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 enables the creation of touch-sensitive devices with narrow or no visible borders, enhancing user interaction and design flexibility by allowing for a more seamless touch interface without compromising the sensor's ability to detect touches and proximity.
Implementation Method 1
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, a method includes arranging a touch sensor over a first side of a display. The touch sensor comprising a first portion and a second portion. The first portion comprising a plurality of electrodes. The second portion comprising a plurality of tracks and a first plurality of connection pads. The method further includes folding the touch sensor around the display such that the second portion of the touch sensor is situated on a second side of the display. The second side of the display different than the first side of the display. Also, the method includes electrically coupling the first plurality of connection pads to a second plurality of connection pads. The second plurality of connection pads configured to be electrically coupled to a controller.