Laser Electrode Patterning for Double-Sided Touch Panels
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for patterning electrode layers in double-sided capacitive touch screens, such as photolithography and dry processes, are complex, costly, and environmentally polluting, while laser processes are not effectively applicable due to substrate penetration issues, necessitating a breakthrough for precise and environmentally friendly patterning.
Innovation Solution
A laser etching system that uses a laser beam with an optical component to control the light spot area ratio between the two surfaces of the touch panel substrate, ensuring the second surface is not damaged during patterning on the first surface, accompanied by a cooling system to manage heat and prevent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If laser beam is used to pattern the conductive layer on one surface of the substrate, then the patterning precision and environmental friendliness are improved, but the laser beam penetrates the thin substrate and damages the conductive layer on the other surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating asymmetric light spot areas at different surfaces of the substrate. The optical component is designed to produce a larger light spot area at the second surface compared to the first surface, thereby concentrating the laser energy locally at the first surface for precise patterning while dispersing the energy at the second surface to avoid damage to the conductive layer.
2Reliability
If conventional photolithography and dry processes are used for patterning, then the process is established and reliable, but the process complexity and environmental pollution increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional photolithography and dry etching processes with a laser-based patterning system. This substitution eliminates the need for photoresist materials, chemical etchants, and complex masking processes, thereby reducing environmental pollution and simplifying the overall manufacturing process while maintaining patterning reliability through precise laser control.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If laser process is applied to double-sided structure touch panels, then the environmental pollution is reduced and cost is lowered, but the substrate penetration issue must be resolved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the optical parameters of the laser system, specifically the light spot area distribution at different surfaces. By adjusting the optical component to create a larger light spot area at the second surface compared to the first surface, the laser energy is dispersed at the second surface to prevent damage while maintaining effective patterning at the first surface, thus enabling laser processing of double-sided touch panels.
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 system allows for precise patterning of electrode layers on double-sided touch panels using lasers without damaging the conductive layer on the opposing surface, reducing energy density and environmental impact, while maintaining production precision and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a laser, for generating and emitting a laser beam; and a laser etching platform, for accommodating and fixing a substrate of the touch panel, such that a first surface of the substrate faces the laser beam
Implementation Method 2
an optical component, for rendering a ratio of a light spot area of the laser beam irradiated on the second surface to a light spot area irradiated on the first surface to be not less than 1.2
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a laser etching system for electrode layer patterning, which can perform electrode layer patterning on the conductive layer of a first surface of the substrate of a double-sided structure touch panel by means of employing a laser beam without damaging the conductive layer on the second surface of the substrate. The system comprises a laser emitter for generating and emitting laser beams, and a laser etching platform for supporting and fixing the touch panel substrate, with the first surface facing the laser beam and the second surface adhering to the laser etching platform. The laser etching system further comprises optical elements, which ensure that the ratio of the spot size of the laser beam irradiated on the second surface to that irradiated on the first surface is not less than 1.2.