Multi-Layer Heterogeneous Metal Electrodes for Touch Displays
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current display devices with touch screen functionality face challenges in reducing sensing delay time and achieving optimal electrical and optical properties, particularly in the integration of electrode units with high transmissivity and low resistance for capacitive and resistive touch screen panels.
Innovation Solution
The integration of electrode units with a multi-layer structure made of heterogeneous metals, such as metal oxide (M1)/metal (M2)/metal oxide (M3), which improves sensing time by reducing resistance and maintaining high transmissivity, utilizing the plasmon vacuum effect to enhance electrical and optical properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If electrode units are made with single-layer metal structure, then manufacturing process is simple, but sensing delay time is long and electrical properties are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode units are constructed using composite material structures including ITO/ZnO/Al:ZnO/Al layers, combining multiple materials with complementary electrical properties to reduce sheet resistance and sensing delay time while maintaining optical transmissivity
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode structure transitions from a single-layer two-dimensional configuration to a multi-layer three-dimensional structure, adding vertical dimensionality to improve electrical conductivity while preserving the transparent electrode function
2Reliability
If electrode units use heterogeneous metal multi-layer structure, then electrical properties and transmissivity are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes specific parameters of each layer including thickness (e.g., ITO layer at 50-150 nm, ZnO layer at 5-20 nm), composition ratios (e.g., Al doping concentration in Al:ZnO), and deposition conditions to achieve optimal electrical and optical properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional single-step sputtering with multi-step deposition processes including RF magnetron sputtering for ITO and DC magnetron sputtering for ZnO and Al:ZnO layers, allowing precise control of each layer's properties
3Reliability
If transparent electrode material thickness is increased, then electrical conductivity is improved, but optical transmissivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite material stacks (ITO/ZnO/Al:ZnO/Al) where each layer contributes differently: ITO provides baseline conductivity and transmissivity, ZnO intermediate layer enhances electron transport, and Al:ZnO top layer provides low resistance while maintaining transparency, achieving both high conductivity and transmissivity
Solution Approach 2:
Different layers are designed with specific local properties: ITO layer optimized for transmissivity, ZnO layer for electron mobility, Al:ZnO layer for low resistance, allowing each portion of the electrode structure to perform its specialized function
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 configuration enables faster sensing times and improved electrical and optical properties, satisfying the requirements for touch screen panels in display devices, including organic light emitting diode displays.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing the plasmon vacuum effect to enhance electrical and optical properties
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of this document provides a display device comprising a panel, a touch screen panel, and a sense unit. The panel comprises subpixels placed in a display region defined in one face of a first substrate and a second substrate bonded with the first substrate. The touch screen panel is placed on the panel and configured to comprise electrode units. The sense unit is coupled to the electrode units and configured to sense a position through the electrode units. At least some of the electrode units are formed of a multi-layer with heterogeneous metals.