Input Sensing Panel Holes Light Trapping

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Solution Overview

Problem

External light reflected off display panels can render interior components visible to users, compromising the aesthetics and functionality of display devices with touch panels.

Innovation Solution

An input sensing panel with a multi-layered structure, including first and second sensor units, connection units, and insulation layers, features a second insulation layer with holes that overlap the sensor units and connection units, providing improved display surface characteristics by trapping external light and reducing visibility of internal components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a touch panel is disposed on the display panel, then input sensing functionality is provided, but external light reflected off the display panel renders interior components visible to the user

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinput sensing functionalityVSAvoidvisibility of interior components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the porous materials principle by forming an insulation layer with a plurality of holes that extend from the first surface to the second surface. These holes act as light-trapping structures that reduce the visibility of interior components by scattering and absorbing reflected light, while still allowing the touch panel to function normally. The holes create a light-diffusing effect that masks the underlying components without interfering with the touch sensing operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the insulation layer thickness is increased to improve light trapping, then visibility of interior components is reduced, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisibility of interior componentsVSAvoidinsulation layer structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the local quality principle by creating holes only in specific regions where light trapping is needed, rather than making the entire insulation layer uniformly thick or opaque. The holes are strategically positioned to address the visibility issue locally while maintaining the overall structural integrity and functionality of the device. This localized approach reduces manufacturing complexity compared to a complete structural redesign.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 effectively minimizes the visibility of internal components by trapping external light within the holes of the second insulation layer, enhancing the display surface characteristics and user experience by reducing glare and component visibility.

Implementation Method 1

A plurality of holes is provided on an upper surface of the second insulation layer, and a thickness of the second insulation layer is greater than a depth of each of the plurality of holes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS11010007B2Input sensing panel including a plurality of holes and a display device having the same
Publication Date: 2021.05.18 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • US11010007B2 patent drawing
  • US11010007B2 patent drawing
  • US11010007B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided is a display device, including a display panel. An input sensing panel is disposed on the display panel. The input sensing panel includes a plurality of first sensor units arranged along a first direction. A first connection unit is configured to connect the first sensor units. A plurality of second sensor units are arranged along a second direction crossing the first direction. A second connection unit is configured to connect the second sensor units. A first insulation layer is disposed between the first connection unit and the second connection unit. A second insulation layer covers the first insulation layer. A plurality of holes is provided on an upper surface of the second insulation layer, and a thickness of the second insulation layer is greater than a depth of each of the plurality of holes.