Single Flexible Circuit for Touch Display Connections

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing touch screen-integrated display devices require separate flexible printed circuit boards for the touch screen panel and display panel, leading to increased manufacturing costs and complexity in assembly due to the need for multiple connections.

Innovation Solution

A single flexible printed circuit board is connected to both the first and second pads on the lower substrate, allowing for simplified connection to an external printed circuit board and reducing manufacturing costs and processing time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate flexible printed circuit boards are used to connect the touch screen panel and display panel, then reliable electrical connections are achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the first flexible printed circuit board and second flexible printed circuit board into a single integrated flexible printed circuit board that simultaneously connects to both the touch screen panel and display panel. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and connection points, thereby reducing assembly complexity while maintaining reliable electrical connections to both pads through integrated conductive pathways.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single flexible printed circuit board is designed with multi-functional capability to serve as both the first and second flexible printed circuit board simultaneously. It includes multiple connection regions with conductive patterns that can electrically connect to different pads (first pad for display element, second pad for touch sensing element) while providing a unified connection interface to the external printed circuit board, thereby reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate flexible printed circuit boards are used for touch screen and display panel, then complete electrical connections are achieved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection completenessVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By combining two separate flexible printed circuit boards into one unified structure, the patent reduces material costs (fewer FPC materials), reduces assembly steps (one FPC instead of two), and simplifies manufacturing processes while ensuring complete electrical connections to both the touch screen panel and display panel through integrated conductive pathways.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single flexible printed circuit board is designed with multi-functional capability to serve as both the first and second flexible printed circuit board simultaneously. It includes multiple connection regions with conductive patterns that can electrically connect to different pads (first pad for display element, second pad for touch sensing element) while providing a unified connection interface to the external printed circuit board, thereby reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple flexible printed circuit boards are used, then all pads are connected, but assembly process becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection coverageVSAvoidassembly process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the first flexible printed circuit board and second flexible printed circuit board into a single integrated flexible printed circuit board that simultaneously connects to both the touch screen panel and display panel. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and connection points, thereby reducing assembly complexity while maintaining reliable electrical connections to both pads through integrated conductive pathways.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

While using a single flexible printed circuit board, the patent employs segmentation of conductive patterns into distinct connection regions. The flexible printed circuit board includes separate conductive patterns for connecting to the first pad and second pad, allowing independent electrical connections to different components while maintaining a unified physical structure that simplifies assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9864446B2Touch screen-integrated display device

Publication Date: 2018.01.09 LG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

Disclosed is a single flexible member that electrically connects a display panel and a touch panel to an external circuit. The flexible member comprises: a first connecting portion located at a first surface of the flexible member, having a display pad connecting unit configured to connect with a displaying element in the display panel, and a touch pad connecting unit configured to connect with a touch sensing element in the touch panel; a second connecting portion located at a second surface of the flexible member opposite to the first connecting portion, having a single connector configured to connect with the external circuit to control at least one of the displaying element and the touch sensing element; and a touch integrated circuit on the second surface of the flexible member, wherein the touch integrated circuit transmit a driving signal to the touch sensing element.