Touch Display Antenna Integration with Planarization Layer

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a touch display device that improves product reliability while reducing manufacturing costs, as existing touch sensor systems in display devices are costly and complex.

Innovation Solution

A touch display device with an antenna pattern disposed on a touch sensor unit, separated by a planarization layer, and a ground plane in the same metal layer as the display unit, which overlaps the antenna pattern, allowing for a slim design and reduced part costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a separate antenna component is added to the display device, then wireless communication function is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless communication functionVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna pattern is merged with the touch sensor unit structure, forming an integrated component where the antenna pattern is disposed on the touch sensor unit with a planarization layer interposed between them. This eliminates the need for separate antenna components and reduces overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The touch sensor unit structure is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the touch sensing component and the mounting substrate for the antenna pattern. The metal layers in the touch sensor unit are utilized to form the ground plane for the antenna, making the same structural element serve dual purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple separate components (antenna, touch sensor, display) are used, then functional performance is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna pattern, touch sensor unit, and display unit are merged into a single integrated structure manufactured in one process. The antenna pattern is formed on the touch sensor unit which is already attached to the display panel, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps and reducing manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna pattern is formed on the touch sensor unit during the same manufacturing process before final assembly. The planarization layer is prepared in advance on the touch sensor unit, and the antenna pattern is deposited using the existing metal layer structure, streamlining the manufacturing sequence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Area of stationary object

If the antenna pattern is disposed close to touch electrodes, then device area is reduced, but touch sensing performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice areaVSAvoidtouch sensing performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A planarization layer is introduced as an intermediary between the touch sensor unit and the antenna pattern. This intermediate layer provides electrical isolation and prevents interference between the touch electrodes and antenna pattern, allowing them to be disposed close together without degrading touch sensing performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna pattern is strategically disposed in the bezel area where touch sensing is not required, while maintaining close proximity to the active area. This local placement optimizes space utilization without compromising touch sensing functionality in the active region.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Reliability

If a ground plane is added for antenna shielding, then wireless communication performance is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless communication performanceVSAvoidlayer structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ground plane is formed using the existing metal layer structure of the touch sensor unit. The same metal layers that constitute the touch sensor electrodes and routing lines are utilized to create the ground plane for antenna shielding, eliminating the need for additional dedicated ground plane layers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The ground plane function is merged with the metal layer structure of the touch sensor unit. The metal layers are configured to serve both as touch sensor components and as the ground plane for the antenna pattern, reducing overall layer complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11385749B2Touch display device

Publication Date: 2022.07.12 LG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

Discussed is a touch display device having an antenna disposed in a panel, thereby improving product reliability while reducing manufacturing cost. The touch display device includes a display unit including a plurality of pixels disposed in an active area, an encapsulation unit disposed on the display unit, the encapsulation unit being configured to seal the plurality of pixels, a touch sensor unit including a plurality of touch sensors disposed on the encapsulation unit, an antenna pattern disposed at an edge on the touch sensor unit in the state in which a planarization layer is interposed therebetween, the antenna pattern not overlapping a touch electrode and a touch routing line included in the touch sensor unit, and a ground plane disposed in an identical layer to any one metal layer belonging to the display unit, the ground plane overlapping the antenna pattern.