Multilayer Touch Signal Line for Flexible Displays
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Touch signal lines in flexible displays with nanowire electrodes face issues of increased resistance and disconnection due to narrow line widths, leading to reliability concerns and corrosion, which affect the performance of touch sensors.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a stack structure for touch signal lines, where a low resistance metal is layered over nanowires in both the fanout and pad portions, with a passivation layer to prevent damage and corrosion, enhances signal transmission and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If nanowire is used as touch signal line to reduce line width, then flexibility and transparency are improved, but resistance increases and disconnection risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by stacking multiple conductor layers (first conductor, second conductor, third conductor) with different properties. The nanowire layer provides flexibility and transparency, while the low resistance metal layer compensates for high resistance, creating a composite signal line that achieves both thin profile and reliable signal transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nesting by placing the first conductor (nanowire) inside the structure, with the second conductor wrapped around it, and the third conductor providing outer protection. This nested configuration allows each layer to contribute its specific function while maintaining a compact, integrated signal line structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If nanowire is used as touch signal line, then flexibility is improved, but corrosion resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by introducing a passivation layer that prevents corrosion before it can affect the nanowire. This protective layer acts as a barrier against harmful environmental factors, preserving the flexibility and electrical properties of the nanowire signal line over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite structure combines the flexible nanowire with corrosion-resistant materials in the second and third conductor layers, creating a signal line that maintains both flexibility and resistance to environmental degradation.
3Reliability
If low resistance metal is stacked on nanowire to reduce resistance, then signal transmission is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the contradiction by transitioning from a single-layer horizontal structure to a multi-layer vertical stack. This dimensional change allows the signal line to maintain a simple planar footprint while achieving reduced resistance through the vertical stacking of functional layers, each contributing to overall performance.
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 solution effectively reduces signal degradation and disconnection risks, improving the reliability and durability of touch sensors by using a layered structure with low resistance metals and a passivation layer to protect against corrosion.
Implementation Method 1
a passivation layer is disposed on the third conductor
Implementation Method 2
a low resistance metal is stacked on the nanowire
Data Source
AI summary
A touch panel includes: a substrate; touch electrodes disposed on the substrate, the touch electrodes being configured to sense a touch input; and touch signal lines each connected to one of the touch electrodes, the touch signal lines each including a fanout portion and a pad portion, the pad portion being electrically connected to a touch controller. Each of the fanout portion and the pad portion includes a first conductor, a second conductor disposed on the first conductor, and a third conductor disposed on the second conductor, and a passivation layer disposed on the third conductor.