Recessed Touch Sensor Lines for Higher-Sensitivity Display Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display devices with touch sensors face challenges in achieving improved sensing sensitivity and efficiency, particularly in the design and manufacturing process of the touch sensor integration with the display panel.
Innovation Solution
The display device incorporates a sensing pattern with a first and second line layer protruding from an insulating layer, featuring a recess portion and a light blocking layer, and includes a manufacturing method that forms these layers with specific materials and configurations to enhance sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional flat conductive line structure is used on the display panel, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the sensing sensitivity of the touch sensor is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional flat two-dimensional conductive line structure to a three-dimensional structure by forming recess portions in the insulating layer and positioning conductive lines within these recesses. This dimensional change increases the effective surface area of the conductive lines, thereby enhancing sensing sensitivity without significantly complicating the manufacturing process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating recess portions at specific locations where enhanced sensing is needed, rather than uniformly modifying the entire conductive line structure. The conductive lines are selectively positioned in these localized recess areas to improve sensing sensitivity where most required, while maintaining simplicity in other regions
2Measurement precision
If the conductive lines are made thicker to improve sensing sensitivity, then the sensing efficiency increases, but the aperture ratio of the display decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By forming conductive lines within recess portions of the insulating layer, the patent effectively increases the sensing area in the vertical dimension without increasing the horizontal footprint. This allows thicker or more substantial conductive lines to be positioned within the recesses, improving sensing efficiency while maintaining the original aperture ratio as the conductive lines do not extend beyond the original surface boundaries
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive lines are nested within the recess portions of the insulating layer, creating a hierarchical structure where the conductive elements are embedded in the insulating material. This nesting arrangement allows the conductive lines to have increased effective thickness and sensing capability while occupying the same lateral space, thus preserving the aperture ratio
3Measurement precision
If a multi-layer conductive line structure is implemented to enhance sensing sensitivity, then the touch input detection improves, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent forms the recess portions in the insulating layer before depositing the conductive lines. This preliminary action establishes predefined positioning features that guide subsequent layer formation, ensuring accurate alignment of the conductive lines within the recesses. By preparing the substrate structure in advance, the patent reduces the precision requirements for later alignment steps
Solution Approach 2:
The recess portions in the insulating layer serve as an intermediary structure that facilitates the precise positioning of conductive lines. These recesses act as physical guides and anchors, making it easier to align subsequent conductive layers without requiring extremely high precision in the deposition or patterning processes
4Productivity
If the touch sensor is manufactured integrally with the display panel, then the overall device efficiency improves, but the complexity of the manufacturing process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the touch sensor manufacturing into distinct modular steps: forming the insulating layer with recess portions, depositing conductive lines in the recesses, and adding protective layers. This segmentation allows each step to be independently optimized and controlled, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while enabling integral manufacturing of the display panel with touch sensor functionality
Data Source
AI summary
A display device includes a display panel, a first insulating layer disposed on the display panel, and a sensing pattern disposed on the first insulating layer and including conductive lines, wherein a surface of the first insulating layer has a recess portion, and the conductive lines include a first line layer disposed within the recess portion, and a second line layer disposed between the first insulating layer and the first line layer.