Integrated Touch Sensor Electrodes in Liquid Crystal Display Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of a touch sensor function into liquid crystal display devices using the resistance film system poses challenges, including increased manufacturing costs, reduced display performance, and potential alignment film issues that affect image quality.
Innovation Solution
A liquid crystal display device structure where the first sensor electrode is formed on one substrate through an alignment film, and the second sensor electrode is positioned to contact or approach the first sensor electrode upon external pressure, allowing for high sensitivity touch detection without compromising display performance, and a method of manufacturing involving specific steps for forming and aligning these electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the touch panel is externally added to the liquid crystal display device, then the touch sensor function is achieved, but the device thickness increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the touch sensor electrodes with the liquid crystal display electrodes by forming both sensor electrodes and pixel electrodes on the same substrates. The first substrate contains both a first sensor electrode and a first pixel electrode, while the second substrate contains both a second sensor electrode and a second pixel electrode. This integration eliminates the need for separate external touch panels, thereby reducing device thickness while maintaining touch sensor functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the touch panel is externally added to the liquid crystal display device, then the touch sensor function is achieved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the manufacturing processes for touch sensor electrodes and display pixel electrodes into a single integrated process. Both sets of electrodes are formed on the same substrates using the same manufacturing steps, eliminating the need for separate production lines and reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates multi-functional electrodes that serve dual purposes: the first sensor electrode and first pixel electrode on the first substrate, and the second sensor electrode and second pixel electrode on the second substrate. These electrodes simultaneously provide both touch sensing capability and display function, reducing the total number of components and manufacturing steps required.
3Length of stationary object
If the liquid crystal display panel and touch panel are formed integrally, then the device thickness is reduced, but the alignment film may be damaged affecting display quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies for patterns to the first sensor electrode and first pixel electrode before forming the alignment film. This preliminary action allows the electrode structures to be established first, and then the alignment film is formed over them, ensuring that the alignment film is not damaged during subsequent processing steps while maintaining proper alignment for the liquid crystal molecules.
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 provides a reliable and cost-effective touch sensor function with high sensitivity and precise position detection, maintaining the display performance and reducing manufacturing complexities.
Implementation Method 1
an alignment film is formed on one of the first and second substrates so as to contact the liquid crystal layer
Implementation Method 2
In the touch panel utilizing the resistance film system, one point detection is a principle
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid crystal display device includes a first substrate on a display surface side; a second substrate on a back surface side; a liquid crystal layer formed between the first and second substrates; an alignment film formed on one of the first and second substrates so as to contact the liquid crystal layer; a first sensor electrode formed on a surface, of the alignment film, contacting the liquid crystal layer; and a second sensor electrode formed on the other of the first and second substrates, and adapted to either contact or approach the first sensor electrode when the first substrate is pressed from the display surface side.