Single-Substrate Touch Panel Design Reducing Thickness and Cost
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional touch panels require two substrates, leading to increased thickness and manufacturing costs, and expose internal circuits, which is not compliant with modern design trends and user safety.
Innovation Solution
A single-substrate touch panel design with a sensing circuit structure formed on the substrate, which serves as both a cover and protective layer, eliminating the need for additional bonding steps and providing a decorative function to conceal internal components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If two substrates are used in conventional touch panels, then the touch panel can provide complete touch functionality and structural support, but the thickness increases and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of two separate substrates into a single substrate. The first substrate integrates both the sensing circuit structure and the cover function, eliminating the need for a second substrate. This consolidation reduces panel thickness while maintaining complete touch functionality through the integrated sensing circuits and conductive layers formed on the single substrate.
Solution Approach 2:
The single substrate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, houses the sensing circuit structure, forms the cover, and contains the conductive layers for touch sensing. This multi-functionality allows the single substrate to replace what traditionally required two separate substrates, reducing thickness without compromising touch functionality.
2Ease of manufacture
If two substrates are used in conventional touch panels, then structural support is provided, but manufacturing steps increase and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the structural support and cover functions into a single substrate, eliminating the need for bonding two substrates together. This reduces manufacturing steps and complexity while the single substrate maintains adequate structural support through its design and material properties.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If internal circuits are exposed in conventional touch panels, then manufacturing is simpler, but user safety is compromised and aesthetics are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the circuit board and cover functions into a single integrated structure. The sensing circuit structure is formed directly on the substrate, and the substrate itself serves as the cover that shields internal circuits. This integration provides user safety by covering circuits while avoiding the need for additional protective layers or complex assembly steps.
4Productivity
If a single substrate is used, then thickness is reduced and manufacturing is simplified, but additional bonding steps are eliminated
Solution Approach 1:
The single substrate is designed to perform all necessary functions: providing structural support, housing sensing circuits, forming conductive layers, and serving as the cover. This universality ensures complete touch functionality is achieved while eliminating bonding steps and improving manufacturing efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A touch panel with a single plate includes a plate and a sensing circuit structure. The substrate is taken as a cover. The sensing circuit structure is formed on the plate.