Organic EL Module with Dual-Function Electrode for Touch Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional organic electroluminescent modules for smart devices have a large thickness due to separate assemblies for light-emitting and touch sensing functions, leading to increased costs, thickness, and production complexity.
Innovation Solution
An organic electroluminescent module where one of the electrodes functions as a touch sensing electrode, with a separate touch sensing circuit unit and light-emitting device driving circuit unit connected to independent grounds, allowing for separate control of light emission and touch sensing functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate assemblies for light-emitting and touch sensing functions are used, then both functions can be independently controlled, but the device thickness and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light-emitting function and touch sensing function into a single integrated organic electroluminescent module. The organic EL panel serves dual purposes: emitting light through its electroluminescent properties and detecting touch through capacitance changes in its electrode structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate assemblies, reducing device thickness and structural complexity while maintaining independent control capability through separate driving circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The organic electroluminescent panel is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a light source and a touch sensor. The same electrode structure that generates light for display purposes also functions as the sensing electrode for detecting finger touches through capacitance changes. This universal design allows a single component to fulfill multiple functions, thereby simplifying the overall device architecture.
2Ease of operation
If separate assemblies for light-emitting and touch sensing functions are used, then both functions can be independently controlled, but production complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the light-emitting and touch sensing functions into a single organic EL panel, the patent reduces the number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This integration simplifies the production process, reduces assembly steps, and lowers manufacturing costs while still allowing independent control through separate driving circuits connected to the same panel.
3Device complexity
If one electrode serves as touch sensing electrode, then device thickness is reduced, but the electrode must perform dual functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality in the electrode by designing it to simultaneously serve as both a light-emitting electrode and a touch sensing electrode. The organic EL panel's electrode structure is optimized to generate light through electroluminescence while also detecting touch through capacitance changes, allowing a single electrode to perform multiple functions without requiring additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the electrode's electrical properties to achieve dual functionality. By monitoring changes in capacitance parameters of the electrode, the system can detect touch events while the electrode continues to function as a light-emitting component. This parameter-based differentiation allows the same physical structure to serve multiple purposes.
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 reduces the size and thickness of the device, simplifies production, and enhances touch sensitivity by isolating the touch sensing function from the light-emitting function.
Implementation Method 1
an organic functional layer unit (5) including a hole injection layer, a hole transport layer, a luminous layer, an electron transport layer, and an electron injection layer in this order on the transparent substrate (3); a cathode (6) on the organic functional layer unit (5)
Implementation Method 2
a capacitive touch sensing circuit unit (14) and a light-emitting device driving circuit unit (12) including a light-emitting device driving circuit section (23) for driving the organic electroluminescent panel (2)
Data Source
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AI summary
The objective of the present invention is to provide: an organic EL module having a specific control circuit configuration and an organic EL element having an electrode configuration provided with both a light-emitting function and a touch detection function, allowing for a small format, a reduction in film thickness, and a simplification of manufacturing processes; and a smart device and an illumination device equipped with the organic EL module. This organic EL module has a touch detection function and comprises a touch detection circuit unit, and a light-emitting element drive circuit unit having a light-emitting element drive circuit portion for driving the organic EL panel. The organic EL panel has a pair of electrodes at opposing positions therein, the pair of electrodes are connected to the light-emitting element drive circuit unit, and one of the pair of electrodes is a touch detection electrode. The touch detection electrode is connected to the touch detection circuit unit, said touch detection circuit unit and the light-emitting element drive circuit unit being respectively connected to independent grounds.