Single-Layer Capacitive Sensor Integration in LCD Touch Screens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LCD touch screens face challenges in achieving a thin, ultra-thin form factor while integrating capacitive touch sensors, as current methods either increase manufacturing costs or require complex processing techniques, failing to meet the trend of thinning while maintaining low costs and processing simplicity.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a single-layer capacitive sensor within the LCD touch screen, where the electrode layer is set between the first and second underlayers, utilizing a black matrix to mask pixel electrode drive circuits and enable non-transparent conductive materials, reducing thickness and manufacturing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a capacitive touch sensor is integrated into the LCD touch screen, then the touch screen functionality is enhanced, but the thickness and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the capacitive touch sensor electrodes with the black matrix layer, integrating two functional layers into one. The black matrix serves dual purposes: masking the pixel electrode drive circuits and providing the capacitive sensor electrodes. This merging eliminates the need for separate capacitive sensor layers, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining enhanced touch screen functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The black matrix layer is given multiple functions: it acts as the masking layer for pixel electrode drive circuits and simultaneously serves as the capacitive sensor electrodes. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of layers required in the touch screen structure, addressing the complexity issue while preserving the enhanced functionality.
2Reliability
If transparent conductive material is used for pixel electrode drive circuits, then electrical resistivity is reduced, but manufacturing cost and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses non-transparent conductive material for the capacitive sensor electrodes instead of expensive transparent conductive material. While non-transparent materials have higher resistivity, the capacitive sensor electrodes are positioned in the black matrix area where visibility is not critical, allowing the use of cheaper, less expensive materials without compromising overall performance.
Solution Approach 2:
Different material properties are applied to different regions: transparent conductive material is used for pixel electrode drive circuits where low resistivity is critical for display functionality, while non-transparent conductive material is used for capacitive sensor electrodes in the black matrix area where cost reduction is prioritized and visibility is not an issue.
3Length of stationary object
If a single layer capacitive sensor is used, then thickness is reduced, but electrode design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the capacitive sensor electrodes with the black matrix layer, creating a single integrated layer rather than separate layers. This consolidation reduces the overall thickness of the touch screen structure while the electrode design complexity is managed through the existing black matrix pattern, which serves dual purposes.
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
This approach results in a thinner LCD touch screen that aligns with the ultra-thin development trend, reduces manufacturing costs, and simplifies processing, enhancing the capacitive touch screen's effectiveness without increasing technological difficulties.
Implementation Method 1
a layer of black matrix masking all pixel electrode drive circuits of the pixel electrode matrix is set on the said first underlayer
Implementation Method 2
capacitive touch sensor, and the capacitive touch sensor comprises the electrode layer which is set between the first underlayer and second underlayer
Data Source
AI summary
It relates to an LCD touch screen and applications integrating single layer capacitive sensor, comprising first underlayer, second underlayer, liquid crystal imaging material and control circuit. It also comprises capacitive touch sensor, which comprises an electrode layer set between the said first underlayer and second underlayer. The said electrode layer comprises electrodes and electrode conductors which are used for electric connection of various electrodes; both of the said electrodes and electrode conductors are set in the same plane. In the invention, the single layer capacitive sensor is set inside of the LCD touch screen, so as to reduce the thickness of the LCD touch screen, conforming to the development tendency of LCD touch screen to thin even ultra-thin ones. In addition, the invention has taken advantage of shielding effect of the black matrix, at the same time of shielding pixel electrode matrix, electrodes and the electrode conductors for the capacitive sensor are also shielded, thus, using effect of the capacitive touch sensor has been enhanced and manufacturing cost is reduced.