Micro LED Display Touch Sensor Integration via Fluid Jetting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display technologies lack efficient and cost-effective methods to integrate additional sensing elements, such as touch sensors, without increasing complexity or cost, which limits their operational capabilities like serving as a touchscreen.

Innovation Solution

The integration of an array of thin film transistors, micro-light-emitting diode elements, and capacitive touch sensors on a substrate using fluid jetting printing to form continuous conductive layers that function as both sensing elements and electrically conductive traces, allowing for enhanced touchscreen functionality without substantial increases in cost or complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If additional sensing elements are integrated into existing display technologies, then operational capabilities are enhanced, but complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational capabilitiesVSAvoidcomplexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the sensing element conductive layers with the trace conductor layers into a single integrated structure. The continuous conductive layer that forms part of the sensing element also extends to form the trace conductor, eliminating the need for separate trace conductor layers and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining enhanced operational capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The continuous conductive layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as part of the sensing element for detecting touch input and as the trace conductor for electrical connections to the drive circuitry. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed and simplifies the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional sensing elements are integrated into existing display technologies, then operational capabilities are enhanced, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational capabilitiesVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the formation of sensing element conductive layers and trace conductors into a single printing process. The fluid jetting system deposits continuous conductive layers that simultaneously create both the sensing element structures and the electrical trace connections, reducing manufacturing steps and material costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The continuous conductive layer performs dual roles as both sensing element material and trace conductor material, eliminating the need for separate materials and processing steps for each function, thereby reducing overall manufacturing cost while enabling enhanced operational capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If sensing elements are placed closer to micro light-emitting diodes, then touch sensitivity and resolution are improved, but fabrication complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetouch sensitivity and resolutionVSAvoidfabrication complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the trace conductor formation with the sensing element formation process. The continuous conductive layer is deposited in a pattern that simultaneously creates the sensing element structures close to the LEDs and the connecting trace conductors, enabling high-resolution sensing without increasing fabrication complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The continuous conductive layer is patterned into distinct segments: portions that form the sensing element structures and portions that extend as trace conductors. This segmentation allows the sensing elements to be positioned close to the LEDs for high resolution while the trace conductors are routed to appropriate connection points, managing fabrication complexity through clear functional separation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 enables the creation of displays with improved touch sensitivity and resolution, simplifying fabrication and reducing costs while allowing for the addition of sensing elements like capacitive touch sensors closer to micro light-emitting diodes, enhancing overall display performance.

Implementation Method 1

fluid jetting printing to form continuous conductive layers that function as both sensing elements and electrically conductive traces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid jetting printing:

Data Source

PatentUS10585541B2Display

Publication Date: 2020.03.10 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP

AI summary

A display may include a substrate, an array of thin film transistors, an array of micro-light-emitting diode elements supported by the substrate and an array of sensing elements supported by the substrate. Each sensing element may include a continuous conductive layer functioning as part of the sensing element and extending along the substrate as an electrically conductive trace connected to one of the thin film transistors.