In-Cell Touch Display Reducing Mask Steps
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Solution Overview
Problem
In-cell type display devices require complex manufacturing processes and high costs due to the need for multiple mask steps in forming touch sensing electrodes, which reduces their competitiveness.
Innovation Solution
A display device and method for manufacturing a touch screen panel that reduces the number of mask steps by using a metal material to form touch signal lines and connection patterns, allowing source or drain electrodes to connect with pixel electrodes, and employing a touch integrated circuit to apply touch driving signals to electrodes, thereby integrating touch functionality within the display panel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If in-cell type display device is used with touch sensing electrode, then touch functionality is integrated within display panel, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase due to multiple mask steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the touch signal line formation process with the pixel electrode formation process by using the same mask pattern. The pixel electrode pattern serves dual purposes: as the pixel electrode itself and as the touch signal line pattern, eliminating the need for separate touch signal line formation steps and reducing overall manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The pixel electrode is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the pixel electrode for display functionality and as the touch signal line for touch sensing. This multi-functional design eliminates dedicated touch electrode structures and simplifies the manufacturing process by reducing the number of required mask steps
2Adaptability or versatility
If in-cell type display device is used with touch sensing electrode, then touch functionality is integrated within display panel, but manufacturing cost increases due to multiple mask steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the formation of pixel electrodes and touch signal lines into a single deposition and patterning step using one mask. This merging of processes reduces material consumption, decreases process time, and lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining integrated touch functionality
Solution Approach 2:
By designing the pixel electrode to simultaneously function as the touch signal line, the patent eliminates the need for separate touch electrode materials and processing steps, thereby reducing material costs and manufacturing expenses while achieving touch integration
3Reliability
If separate touch signal line formation process is used, then touch electrode connectivity is ensured, but number of mask steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the connectivity function into the pixel electrode pattern itself. The pixel electrode is continuously patterned to provide both the electrode structure and the signal transmission path, ensuring reliable connectivity without requiring additional mask steps for separate signal line formation
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a display device that may, for example, include a gate line that is provided in a first direction on a backplane and delivers a gate signal; a data line that is provided in a second direction on the backplane and delivers a data signal; a Thin Film Transistor (TFT) in each pixel defined by a crossing between the gate line and the data line; a first electrode spaced apart from one of a source electrode and a drain electrode of the TFT; a second electrode that is provided on a layer different from that on which the first electrode is provided; a TFT passivation layer that is provided on the TFT and has a first contact hole; a first connection pattern that connects one of the source electrode and the drain electrode to the first electrode through the first contact hole; and a second connection pattern that delivers a touch driving signal to the second electrode and is formed of a material substantially identical to that of the first connection pattern.