In-Cell Touch Structure for Flexible OLED Panel Thickness Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing on-cell touch organic light emitting display panels have a large thickness, making them difficult to bend and increasing production costs due to the external formation of the touch structure.

Innovation Solution

Integrating a touch structure between the base substrate and the TFT array, with touch driving and sensing electrodes intersecting and connected by bridging lines, which are formed in the same layer as the TFT array's conducting layers, simplifying the process and reducing thickness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the touch structure is formed external to the organic light emitting display panel, then the touch function is achieved, but the thickness of the panel increases and bending becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetouch functionVSAvoidpanel thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The touch structure is merged with the display panel structure by integrating it between the base substrate and the TFT array. The touch driving electrodes and sensing electrodes are formed within the same panel structure, combining the touch sensing function with the display structure to reduce overall thickness and enable bending capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If the touch structure is formed external to the organic light emitting display panel, then the touch function is achieved, but production costs increase due to complicated process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetouch functionVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The same base substrate and conducting layers are used to serve multiple functions: as the foundation for the TFT array and as the substrate for the touch structure. The conducting layers function both as electrical interconnects for the TFTs and as electrodes for touch sensing, reducing the need for separate structures and simplifying the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If the touch driving electrodes and touch sensing electrodes are arranged in the same layer, then the process is simplified, but electrical insulation must be ensured at intersection positions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocess complexityVSAvoidelectrical insulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

An insulating layer is introduced as an intermediary between the touch driving electrodes and touch sensing electrodes at their intersection positions. This insulating layer allows the electrodes to cross each other in the same layer while maintaining electrical insulation, preventing short circuits and ensuring reliable touch sensing operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10665644B2Organic light emitting display panel and fabricating method thereof, display device

Publication Date: 2020.05.26 BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO LTD

AI summary

An organic light emitting display panel, a fabricating method thereof, and a display device are disclosed. The organic light emitting display panel comprises a base substrate, a TFT array which is arranged on the base substrate, and a touch structure which is arranged between the base substrate and the TFT array. Since the touch structure is arranged between the base substrate and the TFT array, the organic light emitting display panel has a decreased thickness.