In-Cell Touch Display Electrode Segmentation for Trace Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional in-cell touch displays face challenges with high touch resolution demands due to insufficient channel capacity in touch chips and a high risk of electrode short-circuiting caused by dense and large traces.
Innovation Solution
A touch display module with a touch sensing layer embedded in the display panel, featuring sensing electrode groups arranged along a first axial direction, including first, second, and third electrode blocks spaced apart, which reduces the number of traces to the control circuit, simplifying the touch chip design and reducing short-circuit risks, and eliminates the need for via holes in manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple rectangular touch electrodes are arranged in a matrix inside the touch display to achieve high touch resolution, then the touch resolution is improved, but the number of channels required in the touch chip increases and the risk of electrode short-circuiting increases due to large and dense traces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides each touch electrode into multiple electrode blocks (first electrode block, second electrode block, third electrode block) that are spaced apart from each other. This segmentation allows the touch electrode to be represented by multiple discrete blocks rather than a single continuous structure, enabling reduced trace density while maintaining resolution. The electrode blocks are arranged in a matrix pattern with spacing between them, which reduces the overall trace requirements and short-circuit risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial arrangement dimension by positioning electrode blocks at different locations within each touch electrode region. Instead of using a single dense trace pattern, the electrode blocks are distributed across multiple positions, utilizing the two-dimensional space more efficiently. This dimensional redistribution reduces the trace density in any single direction while maintaining the overall touch sensing capability.
2Measurement precision
If multiple rectangular touch electrodes are arranged in a matrix inside the touch display to achieve high touch resolution, then the touch resolution is improved, but the risk of electrode short-circuiting increases due to large and dense traces
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting each touch electrode into multiple spaced-apart electrode blocks, the patent reduces the continuity of conductive traces. The spacing between electrode blocks creates natural isolation zones that prevent short-circuits between adjacent electrodes. This segmentation strategy maintains touch resolution through the matrix arrangement while significantly improving reliability by reducing trace density and potential short-circuit paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces insulating material as an intermediary substance between adjacent electrode blocks. This insulating layer acts as a barrier that prevents electrical short-circuits between the densely arranged electrode blocks, enabling high-resolution touch sensing without compromising reliability. The insulating material fills the gaps between electrode blocks, providing both structural support and electrical isolation.
3Measurement precision
If conventional touch electrode designs are used to meet touch resolution demands, then the touch resolution is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases due to dense trace connections and via holes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments touch electrodes into discrete blocks that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation simplifies the manufacturing process by reducing the complexity of trace connections and via holes required between adjacent electrodes. The spaced-apart electrode blocks can be fabricated using standard semiconductor processes without requiring dense interconnect structures, thereby improving ease of manufacture while maintaining high touch resolution.
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
This design enhances touch resolution, reduces manufacturing complexity, and improves product reliability by minimizing trace connections and avoiding short circuits, while maintaining high brightness and lightness in touch devices.
Implementation Method 1
obtaining a first axis coordinate of a touch point in the first axial direction according to one of the sensing electrode groups with a capacitance change; and calculating a second axis coordinate of the touch point in the second axial direction according to capacitance changes of at least two of the first electrode block, the second electrode block, or the third electrode block
Data Source
AI summary
A touch display module includes a display panel and a touch sensing layer. The touch sensing layer is embedded in the display panel and includes a plurality of sensing electrode groups. The sensing electrode groups are sequentially arranged along a first axial direction. One of the sensing electrode groups includes a first electrode block, a second electrode block, and a third electrode block spaced apart from each other. The first electrode block is located at a same side of the second electrode block and the third electrode block in the first axial direction and is located between the second electrode block and the third electrode block in a second axial direction perpendicular to the first axial direction.