Multi-layer micro-wire transparent electrodes for touch screens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current transparent conductive metal oxides used in the display and touch-screen industries face limitations in transparency, conductivity, and durability, with high production costs and limited current-carrying capacity, necessitating a more efficient manufacturing process for transparent electrodes with imprinted micro-wires.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layer micro-wire structure is developed, comprising a first and second substrate with distinct areas and micro-wire layers, where the second layer extends beyond the first, allowing for fewer manufacturing steps and improved efficiency in producing transparent electrodes with imprinted micro-wires, using methods like inkjet printing and micro-channel formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If transparent conductive metal oxides are used to form electrodes, then transparency is maintained, but conductivity and current-carrying capacity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines transparent conductive metal oxide layers with metal wire structures embedded in polymer layers to create a hybrid electrode system. This merging allows the structure to achieve both high transparency (from the metal oxide and polymer) and high conductivity (from the metal wires), resolving the contradiction between transparency and conductivity
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode structure uses composite materials including transparent conductive metal oxides (such as ITO), transparent polymers, and metal wires. This composite approach enables the electrode to simultaneously provide optical transparency and electrical conductivity, overcoming the limitations of using单一 materials
2Reliability
If thicker layers of metal oxides or metals are used to increase conductivity, then conductivity improves, but transparency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using thick single layers, the patent merges thin transparent conductive metal oxide layers with highly conductive metal wire structures embedded in transparent polymers. This allows achieving high conductivity without sacrificing transparency, as the metal wires provide conductivity while the transparent polymer and thin metal oxide maintain optical clarity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different materials with different properties to different parts of the electrode structure: transparent conductive metal oxides in certain regions, metal wires embedded in transparent polymers in other regions. This local differentiation allows optimization of both transparency and conductivity in different areas of the same electrode
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple manufacturing steps are used to pattern conductors, then manufacturing precision is achieved, but device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses embossing techniques to pre-form microchannels and patterns in transparent polymer layers before depositing conductive materials. This preliminary structuring of the polymer matrix guides subsequent material deposition and simplifies the overall manufacturing process, reducing the number of steps needed to achieve precise conductor patterns
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex chemical patterning processes (such as photolithography and etching) with mechanical embossing techniques to create conductor patterns. This mechanical approach simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining pattern precision, reducing device complexity and production costs
4Illumination intensity
If conventional electrode materials are used, then transparency is achieved, but power supply capacity to pixel elements is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates composite electrode structures combining transparent conductive metal oxides with highly conductive metal wires embedded in transparent polymers. This composite structure provides both high transparency and high power supply capacity, as the metal wires can carry higher currents while the transparent materials maintain optical clarity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges transparent conductive metal oxide layers with metal wire-polymer composite structures to create electrodes that can supply sufficient power to pixel elements while maintaining high transparency. The combination allows the electrode to function as both an optical window and a high-capacity electrical conductor
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-layer micro-wire structure includes first and second substrates having first and second layers extending to first and second layer edges, respectively. The first layer includes first micro-wire electrodes and first connection pads. Each first micro-wire electrode includes one or more electrically connected first micro-wires and each first connection pad electrically connects to a corresponding first micro-wire electrode. The second layer includes second micro-wire electrodes and second connection pads. Each second micro-wire electrode includes one or more electrically connected second micro-wires, and each second connection pad electrically connects to a corresponding second micro-wire electrode. The second layer is located between the first substrate and the second substrate and the second layer edge extends at least partly beyond the first layer edge so that one or more of the second connection pads is located between at least a portion of the first layer edge and the second layer edge.