Stretchable Display Device With Inter-Pixel Touch Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display devices lack an efficient and cost-effective method to integrate a touch system while maintaining flexibility and stretchability, particularly in in-cell touch type stretchable display devices.
Innovation Solution
The display device integrates a touch system by embedding touch electrodes on a first substrate, forming them simultaneously with pixel substrates and connection lines, allowing for stretchability in multiple directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If touch elements are arranged on a separate touch panel above the display panel, then touch functionality is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the touch panel and display panel into a single integrated structure where touch sensing electrodes are formed within the same substrate layers as the display elements. This eliminates the need for a separate touch panel assembly, reducing device complexity while maintaining both display and touch functionalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate and electrode structures serve dual purposes: they function as both display elements and touch sensing elements. The same transparent conductive oxide layers and electrode patterns are used for both light emission/display and capacitive touch sensing, achieving multi-functionality with a single structure.
2Reliability
If touch elements are arranged on a separate touch panel above the display panel, then touch functionality is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the manufacturing processes for display and touch elements into a single integrated fabrication sequence. Both the display electrodes and touch sensing electrodes are formed using the same thin-film deposition and patterning processes on the same substrate, eliminating the need for separate manufacturing lines and reducing overall manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The same materials and manufacturing processes are used to create structures that serve both display and touch functions. The transparent conductive oxide layers and electrode patterns are fabricated once but provide both display and touch sensing capabilities, reducing material costs and manufacturing complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the display device is made stretchable using flexible substrates, then flexibility and stretchability are achieved, but maintaining touch functionality becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible thin-film structures for both the display and touch sensing layers. The thin-film transistors, electrodes, and insulating layers are all designed with flexibility in mind, allowing the entire assembly to stretch and bend while maintaining electrical connectivity and touch sensing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the electrode patterns and circuit layouts to dynamically accommodate stretching deformations. The flexible substrate and thin-film structures can reversibly deform during stretching and return to their original configuration, maintaining touch functionality throughout the stretching cycle.
Data Source
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AI summary
A display device includes a first substrate; a plurality of pixel substrates disposed on the first substrate to be spaced apart from each other along a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; at least one first connection line connecting pixel substrates among the plurality of pixel substrates disposed along the first direction; at least one second connection line connecting pixel substrates among the plurality of pixel substrates disposed along the second direction; and a touch electrode disposed between the plurality of pixel substrates in an area adjacent to areas in which the first connection line and the second connection line are disposed.