Sacrificial Anode Protection for Corrosion-Resistant Touch Sensors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Capacitive touch sensors are prone to corrosion, particularly during manufacturing and integration, which can lead to reduced lifespan and performance.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of sacrificial conductive members made from materials like zinc or zinc-based alloys, which are applied over conductive elements to act as sacrificial anodes, protecting them from corrosion by corroding first and thus extending the life of the touch sensor components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If sacrificial conductive members are applied over conductive elements, then corrosion protection is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrosion protectionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A sacrificial conductive member is introduced as an intermediary element between the corrosive environment and the conductive elements of the touch sensor. This sacrificial layer corrodes preferentially, protecting the underlying conductive elements from corrosion damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The sacrificial conductive member is designed as a consumable protective layer that is intentionally allowed to corrode and degrade over time. This disposable element sacrifices itself to protect the more valuable and critical conductive elements of the touch sensor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Ease of manufacture

If the touch sensor is exposed to corrosive substances during manufacturing and integration, then manufacturing process flexibility is improved, but corrosion damage occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing process flexibilityVSAvoidcorrosion damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The sacrificial conductive member is applied to the conductive elements before the manufacturing and integration processes begin. This preliminary protective measure ensures that the conductive elements are already protected when exposed to corrosive substances during subsequent manufacturing steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The sacrificial conductive member serves as a pre-applied protective cushion against corrosion. It absorbs the harmful effects of corrosive substances during manufacturing and integration, preventing direct contact between these substances and the conductive elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

The sacrificial conductive members effectively prevent corrosion of the touch sensor's conductive elements, thereby prolonging their lifespan and enhancing the overall performance and reliability of the touch sensor.

Implementation Method 1

sacrificial conductive members made from materials like zinc or zinc-based alloys, which are applied over conductive elements to act as sacrificial anodes, protecting them from corrosion by corroding first

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGalvanic corrosion:

Data Source

PatentUS9071249B2Corrosion resistant touch sensor

Publication Date: 2015.06.30 BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO LTD

AI summary

In one embodiment, a touch sensor includes a substrate. A plurality of conductive elements are formed on the substrate. A plurality of sacrificial conductive members overlay portions of the plurality of conductive elements. The sacrificial conductive members function as sacrificial anodes for the conductive elements.