OLED Touch Panel Embedded Capacitive Sensor

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing OLED touch panels face increased thickness and decreased light transmittance due to the external attachment of touch modules, leading to higher costs.

Innovation Solution

An OLED touch panel design incorporating a cathode layer and a metal layer with specific structures on an array substrate, where the cathode and metal structures are electrically connected to an integrated circuit, allowing for embedded capacitive touch functionality without an external touch module, utilizing a magnesium silver alloy cathode layer and titanium-aluminum metal layer formed through vapor deposition and photolithography processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a touch module is externally attached to the OLED touch panel, then a touch function can be achieved, but the thickness of the OLED touch panel increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetouch functionVSAvoidthickness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the touch module with the OLED display panel by integrating the cathode layer and metal layer directly onto the array substrate structure. The cathode layer includes first cathode structures that coincide with first metal structures in the metal layer, forming an embedded capacitive touch structure that eliminates the need for external attachment while maintaining touch functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The touch module is nested within the OLED display panel structure itself. The cathode layer and metal layer are positioned between the array substrate and the color filter layer, creating a nested configuration where the touch function is embedded within the display structure rather than attached externally.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If a touch module is externally attached to the OLED touch panel, then a touch function can be achieved, but light transmittance decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetouch functionVSAvoidlight transmittance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the touch module with the OLED display panel by integrating the cathode layer and metal layer directly onto the array substrate structure. The cathode layer includes first cathode structures that coincide with first metal structures in the metal layer, forming an embedded capacitive touch structure that eliminates the need for external attachment while maintaining touch functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cathode layer and metal layer are configured with specific local structures where the first cathode structures and first metal structures coincide in projection, creating localized capacitive regions for touch sensing while maintaining light transmittance in other areas. This localized configuration allows touch functionality without uniformly blocking light across the entire panel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If a touch module is externally attached to the OLED touch panel, then a touch function can be achieved, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetouch functionVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the touch module with the OLED display panel by integrating the cathode layer and metal layer directly onto the array substrate structure. The cathode layer includes first cathode structures that coincide with first metal structures in the metal layer, forming an embedded capacitive touch structure that eliminates the need for external attachment while maintaining touch functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The array substrate structure serves multiple functions: it supports the OLED light-emitting structures and simultaneously provides the foundation for the capacitive touch module through the integrated cathode and metal layers. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate external touch modules, reducing overall system cost and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 design achieves a thinner profile and reduced manufacturing costs by integrating the touch function within the panel, eliminating the need for an external touch module and maintaining effective light transmittance.

Implementation Method 1

the cathode layer and a metal layer spaced from the cathode layer and disposed on a side of the insulating layer far away from the cathode layer, wherein the metal layer includes a plurality of first metal structures spaced from each other, and a projection of the first cathode structure on the array substrate structure at least partially coincides with a projection of the first metal structure on the array substrate structure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

utilizing a magnesium silver alloy cathode layer and titanium-aluminum metal layer formed through vapor deposition and photolithography processes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical vapor deposition: Physical Vapour Deposition

Data Source

PatentUS10579177B2OLED touch panel with reduced thickness and method for manufacturing the same

Publication Date: 2020.03.03 BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO LTD

AI summary

Disclosed is an OLED touch panel and a method for manufacturing the same. The OLED touch panel includes an array substrate structure, a cathode layer with a plurality of cathode structures, an insulating layer and a metal layer with a plurality of metal structures, the cathode structures and the metal structures arranged such that the OLED touch panel exhibits a thinner profile than touch panels previously known in the art.