Touch Apparatus for Electrochromic Mirror Thickness Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional touch sensing structures for electrochromic reflective mirrors increase the thickness of the mirror, affecting its appearance and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A touch apparatus is designed with a touch sensing structure integrated onto the substrate of the electrochromic reflective mirror, utilizing a translucent electrode and reflective film to provide a thin and functional solution, allowing for both touch functionality and optical properties modulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a touch sensing structure is disposed on a carrier board to form an out-cell touch panel and then attached to the surface of the electrochromic reflective mirror, then the electrochromic reflective mirror acquires touch function, but the thickness of the electrochromic reflective mirror is significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the touch sensing structure with the substrate of the electrochromic reflective mirror into a single integrated structure. The touch sensing structure is formed directly on the substrate during the manufacturing process, eliminating the need for a separate carrier board and attachment step. This merging of functions reduces the overall thickness while maintaining both the electrochromic reflective mirror function and the touch sensing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate serves multiple functions: it acts as both the structural base for the electrochromic reflective mirror and the foundation for the touch sensing structure. By making the substrate multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for additional carrier boards, thereby reducing thickness while providing both optical modulation and touch sensing capabilities.
2Length of stationary object
If a touch sensing structure is integrated onto the substrate of the electrochromic reflective mirror, then the thickness is reduced, but the manufacturing complexity may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The touch sensing structure is formed on the substrate during the early stages of manufacturing the electrochromic reflective mirror, before final assembly. The transparent electrode pattern is created on the substrate along with the electrochromic layer formation, allowing subsequent layers to be built upon this integrated structure. This preliminary integration simplifies the overall manufacturing process by reducing the number of separate components that need to be assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The manufacturing processes for the electrochromic reflective mirror and the touch sensing structure are merged into a single production line. The same substrate, transparent electrode, and layer formation techniques are used for both functions, eliminating the need for separate manufacturing and attachment processes. This consolidation reduces manufacturing complexity despite the multi-functionality of the device.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The integration of the touch sensing structure on the substrate reduces the thickness of the electrochromic reflective mirror while maintaining its functionality, enhancing its appearance and usability.
Implementation Method 1
Electrochromism refers to the technology that, when applied with a voltage or current, an electrochromic layer can exhibit a stable reversible change in optical properties (e.g. transmittance, reflectivity, or absorbance) in the visible light wavelength range, so as to present a change in color/transparency.
Data Source
AI summary
A touch apparatus including a first substrate, a first translucent electrode, a second substrate, an electrochromic layer, a reflective film, and a touch sensing structure is provided. The first substrate has a first inner surface and a first outer surface opposite to each other. The first translucent electrode is disposed on the first inner surface. The second substrate is disposed opposite to the first substrate. The electrochromic layer is located between the first inner surface of the first substrate and the second substrate. The reflective film is disposed on the second substrate. The touch sensing structure is disposed on the first outer surface of the first substrate.