Hybrid Electrode Touch Screen Panel Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current touch screen panel manufacturing processes are costly and complex, particularly due to the need for multiple layers and masks in the deposition and patterning of electrodes, which increases production expenses and time.
Innovation Solution
A touch screen panel design featuring hybrid electrodes with a first and second hybrid electrode layer, each comprising a lower transparent layer, a metal layer, and a transparent metal oxide layer, stacked sequentially, with a buffer layer and an optically clear adhesive, allowing for reduced manufacturing steps and elimination of an interlayer insulating layer between the electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple layers and masks are used in the deposition and patterning of electrodes, then the electrode structure and functionality are improved, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple electrode layers into a single hybrid electrode structure with integrated transparent and metal layers, eliminating the need for separate deposition and patterning steps for each layer. This merging of layers reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining electrode functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid electrode structure serves multiple functions simultaneously - the transparent layer provides optical transparency and electrical conductivity, while the metal layer provides additional conductivity and reflectivity. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate layers, simplifying the manufacturing process.
2Reliability
If multiple layers and masks are used in the deposition and patterning of electrodes, then the electrode structure and functionality are improved, but the manufacturing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple electrode layers into a single hybrid structure, the patent eliminates multiple deposition and patterning steps, significantly reducing manufacturing time while maintaining the functional integrity of the electrodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid electrode structure is designed and prepared in advance as a single integrated layer, allowing for pre-patterned electrodes that reduce the need for subsequent masking and deposition steps during manufacturing.
3Reliability
If an interlayer insulating layer is included between electrodes, then the electrical insulation is improved, but the manufacturing steps and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the interlayer insulating layer by designing the hybrid electrode structure to provide electrical insulation through its own layered configuration, removing the need for separate insulating layers and associated manufacturing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid electrode structure integrates the insulation function within the electrode layers themselves, merging the conductive and insulating functions into a single integrated structure that eliminates separate insulating layers.
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 design simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces costs by minimizing the number of required masks and deposition steps, while maintaining high reflectivity and transmittance levels, ensuring improved visibility and performance.
Implementation Method 1
maintaining high reflectivity and transmittance levels
Implementation Method 2
each of the first lower transparent layer and the second lower transparent layer may have a refractive index within a range of about 1.9 to about 2.65
Data Source
AI summary
Touch screen panels are provided. The touch screen panel may include a first hybrid electrode including first electrode cells arranged on a substrate in a first direction and first connection electrodes connecting the first electrode cells to each other in the first direction, and a second hybrid electrode spaced apart from the first hybrid electrode on the substrate. The second hybrid electrode may include second electrode cells arranged in a second direction crossing the first direction and second connection electrodes connecting the second electrode cells to each other in the second direction. The second electrode cells are disposed between the first connection electrodes. The first hybrid electrode may include a first lower transparent layer and a first metal layer which are sequentially stacked, and the second hybrid electrode may include a second lower transparent layer and a second metal layer which are sequentially stacked.