Low-Reflection Layer for Capacitive Touch Panel Conductors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional capacitive touch panels with metal conductors suffer from visibility issues due to the inherent reflectivity of metal conductors, and existing solutions either require complex and costly ITO photo-etching processes or are difficult to implement effectively.
Innovation Solution
A low-reflection layer is applied to the metal conductors in the capacitive touch panel, reducing reflected light and visibility without the need to minimize conductor width, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If metal conductors are used in capacitive touch panel, then manufacturing cost is reduced and conductivity is improved, but visibility of metal conductors increases
Solution Approach 1:
A low-reflection layer is introduced as an intermediary between the metal conductor and the external environment. This layer mediates the interaction between light and the metal conductor, reducing reflected light and thereby reducing the visibility of the metal conductor while maintaining its electrical functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The low-reflection layer changes the optical properties of the metal conductor by reducing its reflectivity. This modifies how the metal conductor interacts with light, making it less visible while preserving its electrical conductive properties
2Ease of manufacture
If metal conductors are used in capacitive touch panel, then manufacturing process is simplified, but optical performance deteriorates due to high reflectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The low-reflection layer serves as an intermediary that improves optical performance without complicating the manufacturing process. It is applied as an additional coating layer that can be integrated into existing manufacturing workflows
Solution Approach 2:
The solution creates a composite structure combining the metal conductor layer with the low-reflection layer. This composite material structure leverages the high conductivity of metal while adding the optical benefits of the low-reflection coating
3Object-affected harmful factors
If width of metal conductors is reduced to minimize visibility, then visibility is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The low-reflection layer acts as a mediator that allows metal conductors to maintain their standard width without increasing visibility issues. This eliminates the need for precise width control while achieving the desired optical effect
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of changing the physical dimension (width) of the metal conductor, the solution changes the optical parameter (reflectivity) by applying the low-reflection layer. This parameter change achieves visibility reduction without imposing stringent manufacturing precision requirements
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 metal conductors while maintaining high yield and optical performance, achieving better optical results with a simplified and cost-effective manufacturing process.
Implementation Method 1
A capacitive touch panel with the low visibility of metal conductors and good optical performance as reflection from the metal conductors is reduced
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a capacitive touch panel, comprises a substantially transparent substrate and a transparent sensing pattern. The transparent sensing pattern, which detects touch signals, is formed on the substantially transparent substrate. The transparent sensing pattern comprises a plurality of conductor cells and at least one metal conductor disposed on the substantially transparent substrate. The at least one metal conductor connects two adjacent conductor cells. At least one low-reflection layer is formed on the at least one metal conductor. The low-reflection layer can reduce the reflected light therefore reducing the visibility of the metal conductors.