Sensor Layer Mesh Reinforcement for Rigid, Sensitive Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices with sensor layers face challenges in achieving both increased rigidity and sensing sensitivity, particularly in wearable devices where the sensor layer must effectively detect external inputs while maintaining structural integrity and minimizing interference with the display layer.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device incorporates a sensor layer with a specific structure, including a first and second conductive layer with mesh lines that cross each other, and reinforcing patterns on inner areas defined by these lines, which enhances the sensor layer's rigidity and minimizes interference with the emission areas, allowing for improved sensing sensitivity and light extraction efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the sensor layer uses a simple mesh structure, then manufacturing is easier, but rigidity and sensing sensitivity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor layer is segmented into multiple functional components: first and second conductive layers with mesh lines, sensing insulating layers, and reinforcing patterns. This segmentation allows each component to contribute specifically to rigidity while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through modular construction
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor layer employs a composite structure combining conductive materials (for sensing), insulating materials (for electrical isolation), and reinforcing patterns (for mechanical strength). This composite approach achieves enhanced rigidity without compromising the sensing function or manufacturing process
2Strength
If the sensor layer is made thicker to increase rigidity, then structural integrity improves, but sensing sensitivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Reinforcing patterns are strategically placed in specific regions where mechanical support is needed, rather than uniformly thickening the entire sensor layer. This localized reinforcement maintains structural integrity while preserving sensing sensitivity in the active sensing regions
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing thickness in the vertical dimension, rigidity is enhanced by adding reinforcing patterns in the horizontal plane within the existing layer structure. This dimensional approach maintains the thin profile necessary for sensing while providing mechanical support
3Measurement precision
If mesh lines are placed closer together to improve sensing coverage, then sensing sensitivity increases, but light extraction efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The mesh line spacing and pattern geometry are optimized to specific parameter ranges that balance sensing coverage with light transmission. The reinforcing patterns are designed with dimensions and configurations that provide mechanical support while maintaining optical transparency in the emission areas
4Ease of manufacture
If the sensor layer structure is simplified, then manufacturing cost decreases, but rigidity and durability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor layer is divided into distinct functional layers (conductive layers, insulating layers, reinforcing patterns) that can be manufactured separately using standard processes and then assembled. This segmentation maintains manufacturing simplicity while achieving enhanced durability through the combined functionality of each layer
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a display layer comprising emission areas that provide different colored light, respectively, and a non-emission area adjacent thereto. A sensor layer comprises a first sensing insulating layer, a first conductive layer, a second sensing insulating layer, and a second conductive layer and comprising mesh lines extending in first and second directions. The mesh lines comprise a first line extending in the first direction, second and third lines extending in the second direction from opposite sides of the first line, and a fourth line spaced apart from the third line in the first direction and extending in the second direction from the first line. A reinforcing pattern is disposed on inner areas defined by the first line and each of the second to fourth lines, respectively. The reinforcing pattern protrudes from portions of the first to fourth lines that define each inner area of the inner areas.