Pixel Array Substrate Integrating Touch Electrodes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional touch display devices are bulky, heavy, and costly due to the complexity of combining touch and display functions in electronic devices like mobile phones and smart watches, resulting in increased manufacturing complexity and weight.

Innovation Solution

A pixel array substrate design that includes a substrate, patterned conductive layers, semiconductor patterns, dielectric layers, and a common electrode layer, with a touch wire connected to the common electrode, allowing for reduced manufacturing costs by minimizing the number of masks required and optimizing the layout to prevent short circuits and improve touch functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a touch substrate is additionally attached to the surface of a display panel to achieve touch function, then the touch display device has both touch and display functions, but the device becomes thicker and heavier

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetouch and display functionsVSAvoiddevice weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the touch electrode layer with the pixel array substrate by forming the touch electrode in the same conductive layer (second patterned conductive layer) as the display circuit elements (data lines, sources, drains). This integration eliminates the need for a separate touch substrate attachment, thereby reducing device thickness and weight while maintaining both touch and display functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The second patterned conductive layer serves multiple functions: it forms both the display circuit elements (data lines, sources, drains) and the touch electrode. This multi-functionality allows a single layer to provide both display control and touch sensing capabilities, eliminating the need for additional dedicated touch substrate layers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a touch substrate is additionally attached to the surface of a display panel, then the touch function is achieved, but the manufacturing process becomes complicated and manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetouch functionVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The touch electrode is merged with the pixel array substrate manufacturing process by forming both the display circuits and touch electrode in the same second patterned conductive layer using the same mask patterns. This integration allows simultaneous formation of display and touch functions in a single manufacturing sequence, eliminating the need for separate touch substrate attachment processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The second patterned conductive layer is designed to serve dual purposes: as display circuit elements (data lines, sources, drains) and as the touch electrode. This universal design allows a single manufacturing process to produce both display and touch functionalities, significantly simplifying the overall manufacturing process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the touch wire is electrically connected to the common electrode through conductive layers, then touch functionality is achieved, but the risk of short circuit with data lines increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetouch functionalityVSAvoidshort circuit risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The touch wire is structurally segmented and separated from the data lines in the planar layout. The touch wire runs through the pixel array region without overlapping or contacting the data lines, sources, or drains. This spatial segmentation eliminates the risk of short circuits between touch and display circuits while maintaining electrical connectivity through vertical connections to the common electrode

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The common electrode serves as an intermediary that receives touch signals from the touch wire through openings in the dielectric layers. This intermediary connection allows touch functionality to be achieved without direct electrical contact between the touch wire and the data lines, thereby preventing short circuits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11107842B2Pixel array substrate

Publication Date: 2021.08.31 AU OPTRONICS CORP

AI summary

A pixel array substrate includes a substrate, a first patterned conductive layer, a pixel electrode layer, a semiconductor pattern layer, a first dielectric layer, a second patterned conductive layer, a second dielectric layer, and a common electrode layer. The first patterned conductive layer includes first and second scan lines, first and second gates, and first and second connection electrodes. The pixel electrode layer includes first and second pixel electrodes. The semiconductor pattern layer includes first and second patterns. The second patterned conductive layer includes first and second data lines, first and second sources, first and second drains, and a touch wire. The common electrode layer includes a common electrode and first and second transferring electrodes. The first transferring electrode is electrically connected to the first connection electrode and the first drain. The second transferring electrode is electrically connected to the second connection electrode and the second drain.