In-Cell Touch Display Force Sensing via Variable Gap Capacitance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touch display devices face challenges with increased thickness and manufacturing costs due to the need for external force sensors, which also lead to reliability issues.
Innovation Solution
The integration of touch and force-sensing elements within the display device, known as an in-cell sensing device, where a touch electrode structure and force-sensing layer are disposed between substrates with a variable gap, allowing for display, touch-sensing, and force-sensing modes without additional thickness or cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If external force sensors are attached under the display panel to perform force sensing function, then force sensing capability is achieved, but thickness increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the force sensing function with the existing display structure by integrating a force sensing layer into the display panel itself, combining multiple functions (display and force sensing) into a single integrated structure rather than adding separate external sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The display panel is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the display medium and the force sensing element. The force sensing layer is integrated within the display structure, allowing the same component to perform both display and force detection functions
2Adaptability or versatility
If external force sensors are attached under the display panel, then force sensing function is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The force sensing layer is merged with the display panel structure, eliminating the need for separate external sensor components and their associated assembly processes, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated force sensing layer allows the display panel to perform multiple functions (display and force sensing) using the same structural components, reducing the total bill of materials and manufacturing steps required
3Adaptability or versatility
If external force sensors are attached under the display panel, then force sensing capability is achieved, but reliability issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the force sensing layer with the display panel structure, the patent eliminates interfaces between separate components (adhesives, mounting structures), which are common failure points, thereby improving overall system reliability
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 enhances the reliability of touch display devices, reduces thickness, and lowers manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for external sensors while maintaining high display quality and precise force detection.
Implementation Method 1
a variable gap exists between the force-sensing layer and the driving electrode layer
Data Source
AI summary
A touch display device including a first substrate, a second substrate, a display medium layer, a pixel electrode layer, a touch electrode structure, and a force-sensing layer is provided. The second substrate is opposite to the first substrate. The display medium layer is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The pixel electrode layer is disposed between the display medium layer and the first substrate. The touch electrode structure is disposed on the second substrate and includes a driving electrode layer and a touch-sensing layer. The force-sensing layer is disposed on the first substrate, and a variable gap exists between the force-sensing layer and the driving electrode layer. A driving method of the touch display device is also provided.