Metal Trace Pattern Electrodes for Touch Panel Sensitivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current touch panels suffer from low sensitivity due to the high resistance of transparent conductive materials like indium tin oxide (ITO), which affects their performance in detecting touch inputs.
Innovation Solution
The use of metal-based trace pattern electrodes with a main trace and additional trace patterns on a substrate, enhancing electrical conductivity and sensitivity while allowing transparent image transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If transparent conductive material such as ITO is used for sensing electrodes, then image transmittance is maintained, but electrical resistance is high and sensitivity is lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining transparent conductive material (ITO) with metal materials (silver, aluminum, or copper) to create a hybrid electrode structure. The ITO layer maintains optical transparency while the metal layer provides low electrical resistance, thereby resolving the contradiction between image transmittance and sensitivity. The metal trace pattern electrode with specific geometry (line width 3-15μm, patterned structures) further optimizes the balance between conductivity and transparency.
2Reliability
If metal materials are used for sensing electrodes, then electrical conductivity and sensitivity are improved, but image transmission is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrode structure into discrete trace patterns rather than continuous大面积 metal layers. The metal electrode is divided into linear traces with specific width (3-15μm) and patterned configurations that create gaps and openings. This segmentation allows light to pass through the spaces between traces while maintaining electrical conductivity along the trace paths, thus resolving the contradiction between sensitivity improvement and image transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by making different parts of the electrode structure have different properties. The metal traces provide high conductivity in specific localized paths, while the spaces between traces maintain optical transparency. The varying line widths (3-15μm) and patterned configurations create local variations in both electrical and optical properties, optimizing the balance between sensitivity and transmittance in different regions of the touch panel.
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 metal-based touch sensing electrodes improve the sensitivity of touch panels, enabling better detection of touch inputs without compromising image transmission, and allow for multi-touch functionality with increased production yields.
Implementation Method 1
the first sensing line and/or the second sensing line include a main trace and at least a trace pattern which are made of metal. Due to the high electrical conductivity of metal, the sensitivity of the touch panel can be improved.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a touch sensing including a plurality of first sensing lines (304). Each first sensing line includes a first main trace (304a) and a plurality of first trace patterns (304b) wherein at least a first cross point is disposed between the first main trace (304a) and the trace patterns (304b). The present invention further provides a touch panel of using the same.