Integrated Touch Structure in Micro LED Display Panels

Solution Overview

Problem

Micro LED display panels with external touch substrates result in increased thickness, contradicting the thin and light advantages of the technology, especially in wearable devices.

Innovation Solution

Integrate a touch structure within the display panel by positioning part of it between the light-emitting device layer and the circuit layer, or at the side of the light-emitting device layer away from the circuit layer, utilizing vertical light-emitting diodes with electrodes on different sides to allow for larger spacing and reduced overlap, enabling capacitive or electromagnetic touch detection without affecting wiring or light emission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a touch substrate is provided externally at an outer side of the display substrate, then the touch function is achieved, but the overall thickness of the module increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetouch functionVSAvoidoverall thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the touch structure with the display panel by integrating the touch electrode layer, insulating layer, and connection structure directly into the display substrate architecture. This consolidation eliminates the need for a separate external touch substrate, thereby achieving the touch function while reducing the overall module thickness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The display substrate is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the display structure and the touch sensing structure. By incorporating the touch electrode layer and connection structure within the display substrate, the same substrate performs both display and touch detection functions, reducing the need for additional separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a touch substrate is provided externally, then the touch function is achieved, but the module becomes heavier

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetouch functionVSAvoidmodule weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the touch structure with the display panel by integrating the touch electrode layer, insulating layer, and connection structure directly into the display substrate architecture. This consolidation eliminates the need for a separate external touch substrate, thereby achieving the touch function while reducing the overall module thickness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The display substrate is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the display structure and the touch sensing structure. By incorporating the touch electrode layer and connection structure within the display substrate, the same substrate performs both display and touch detection functions, reducing the need for additional separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If vertical light-emitting diodes are used with electrodes on different sides, then larger spacing and reduced overlap are achieved, but the structure complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure complexityVSAvoidsignal interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a planar electrode arrangement to a three-dimensional vertical LED structure where electrodes are positioned on different sides (anode on one side, cathode on the other). This dimensional change allows for larger spacing between electrodes, reducing overlap and signal interference while maintaining electrical functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

Achieves a thinner and lighter display module with improved touch sensitivity and accuracy by integrating the touch structure internally, reducing vertical capacitance and signal interference while maintaining effective touch detection.

Implementation Method 1

enabling capacitive or electromagnetic touch detection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

enabling capacitive or electromagnetic touch detection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic detection: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12493372B2Display panel and display device

Publication Date: 2025.12.09 SHANGHAI TIANMA MICRO ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A display panel and a display device are provided, The display panel includes: a circuit layer, a light-emitting device layer located at a side of the circuit layer and including vertical light-emitting diodes; and a touch structure. A part of the touch structure is located between the light-emitting device layer and the circuit layer, and/or a part of the touch structure is located at a side of the light-emitting device layer away from the circuit layer.