Guard Ring Pattern for Static Dissipation in Integrated Touch Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of touch screen panels with display devices often results in increased thickness and manufacturing costs, and is susceptible to malfunction due to static electricity damage during transportation and use.
Innovation Solution
A display apparatus with an integrated touch screen panel design that includes a first substrate, insulating layer, and guard ring patterns to reduce static electricity influence, featuring a bonding pad part connected to an external driving circuit and sensing lines, with guard ring patterns made of low-resistance metal materials to dissipate static electricity to a ground terminal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separately manufactured touch screen panel is attached to the display panel, then the touch screen functionality is achieved, but the overall thickness and manufacture cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the touch screen panel and display panel into a single integrated structure by forming the guard ring pattern directly on the display panel substrate. This integration eliminates the need for a separate touch screen panel attachment, thereby reducing overall thickness while maintaining touch screen functionality through the combined sensing and display layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The display panel substrate is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the display structure and the base for the touch screen sensing patterns. The guard ring pattern formed on this substrate provides both electrostatic discharge protection and structural support, reducing the need for additional separate components and thereby reducing thickness.
2Reliability
If a separately manufactured touch screen panel is attached to the display panel, then the touch screen functionality is achieved, but the manufacture cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the manufacturing processes of the display panel and touch screen panel into a single integrated fabrication process. The guard ring pattern is formed using the same semiconductor manufacturing steps (photolithography, etching, deposition) as the display panel, eliminating the need for separate touch panel manufacturing and assembly, thereby reducing manufacture cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The same substrate and manufacturing processes are used to create both the display and touch screen functions. The guard ring pattern serves dual purposes of ESD protection and structural integration, reducing the number of separate components needed and simplifying the manufacturing process, which lowers overall manufacture cost.
3Ease of operation
If the touch screen panel is used during transportation and use, then the touch functionality is available, but static electricity may damage the inner circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary protection against static electricity damage by forming the guard ring pattern before the touch screen becomes operational. The guard ring pattern is pre-configured with connection to ground terminals, creating a protective electrostatic discharge path that activates automatically when static electricity is encountered during transportation or use, preventing damage to the inner circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The guard ring pattern acts as an intermediary protective layer between the outer touch screen surface and the inner circuit. It provides a controlled path for static electricity to discharge to ground terminals, mediating the interaction between external electrostatic threats and the vulnerable inner circuit, thereby protecting the touch functionality while maintaining safety.
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 the impact of static electricity on the display panel, minimizes thickness, and enhances image visibility while preventing potential malfunctions, thereby improving the reliability and performance of the integrated touch screen display device.
Implementation Method 1
guard ring patterns made of low-resistance metal materials to dissipate static electricity to a ground terminal
Data Source
AI summary
A display device integrated with a touch screen panel including a first substrate, a first guard ring pattern, an insulating layer, and a second guard ring pattern. The first substrate includes a touch region. The first guard ring pattern is positioned at a perimeter of the touch region. The insulating layer is positioned at a perimeter of the first guard ring pattern. The insulating layer is separated from an edge of the first substrate by a first distance. The second guard ring pattern is positioned over each of the first substrate and the insulating layer.