Single-Layer Touch Sensor Structure for Display Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Touch display devices face challenges in manufacturing due to complex touch sensor structures, leading to low yield and high costs, along with issues in touch sensitivity caused by differences in signal transmission path lengths and electrode area imbalances.
Innovation Solution
A touch display device with a single-layered touch sensor structure that reduces the number of mask processes and touch pads, using intersecting X and Y touch electrode lines with specific connecting lines to maintain touch sensitivity and balance electrode areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a multi-layered touch sensor structure is used, then touch sensitivity can be improved, but manufacturing complexity increases and manufacturing yield decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple touch sensor layers into a single-layer structure where X-touch electrode lines and Y-touch electrode lines are integrated on the same substrate. This merging approach maintains the mutual capacitance sensing functionality while eliminating the need for complex multi-layer stacking and alignment processes, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and improving yield.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses intersecting electrode lines arranged in orthogonal directions (X and Y directions) on a single layer to create the equivalent functionality of multi-layer structures. By utilizing the spatial arrangement and intersection of conductive lines in two dimensions, the patent achieves touch sensitivity without requiring additional vertical layers.
2Measurement precision
If the number of touch electrodes is increased to improve touch detection accuracy, then the number of touch pads increases, but pad area design becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs touch electrode lines that serve multiple functions: they act as both sensing electrodes for detecting touch events and as signal transmission paths connecting to touch pads. By making the electrode lines multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate dedicated pad structures for each electrode, thereby simplifying pad area design even when numerous electrodes are used.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the touch sensor into orthogonal X and Y electrode line groups, where each group can be independently connected to touch pads. This segmentation allows for systematic routing and reduces the overall number of required pad connections compared to a fully interconnected electrode matrix, simplifying pad area design.
3Area of stationary object
If signal transmission paths of different lengths are used in touch electrode lines, then electrode area balance can be achieved, but touch sensitivity may deteriorate due to path length differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different design characteristics to different regions of the electrode lines. Specifically, electrode lines are designed with varying local properties (such as width, spacing, or meander patterns) to compensate for differences in path length from the touch sensing area to the touch pads. This local quality adjustment ensures that electrical characteristics are balanced across all electrodes while maintaining optimal touch sensitivity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a touch display device and a touch sensing method and, more specifically, to a touch display device and a touch sensing method that provide a single-layered touch sensor structure by a touch electrode connecting line that electrically connects touch electrodes arranged in one direction and is arranged to bypass and surround touch electrodes arranged in another direction, thereby enabling a simple manufacturing process, a high manufacturing yield, and a low manufacturing cost.