Capacitive Touch Electrode Structure Merging Adjacent Second Electrodes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In capacitive touch systems, the large number of touch electrodes on a two-layer substrate requires extensive vias and connecting wires, occupying significant space and reducing available space, necessitating a solution to minimize these components.
Innovation Solution
The touch electrode structure features first and second electrode series on one surface of a substrate, with connecting wires on the opposite surface, allowing adjacent second electrodes to be electrically connected without needing additional connecting wires between them, thereby reducing the number of connecting wires and vias.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vias and connecting wires are used to connect adjacent touch electrodes on a two-layer substrate, then electrical connectivity between electrodes is achieved, but occupied space on the substrate increases and usable space decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Adjacent second electrodes are merged into electrode groups where they are electrically connected directly on the first surface of the substrate without requiring separate connecting wires. This combining approach eliminates redundant connecting wires and vias, reducing space occupation while maintaining electrical connectivity between adjacent electrodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the third dimension by forming electrode groups that extend in the vertical direction (through the substrate thickness) rather than only in the planar direction. By stacking electrodes in groups and connecting them vertically, the design reduces the need for horizontal connecting wires, thereby increasing usable substrate space.
2Reliability
If numerous connecting wires and vias are implemented to connect all touch electrodes, then complete electrical network is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple adjacent second electrodes are merged into electrode groups that are electrically connected internally. This reduces the total number of individual connections required, as entire electrode groups can be connected as single units rather than requiring separate connections for each electrode, thereby simplifying the overall wiring structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode array is segmented into groups of adjacent electrodes that function as unified electrical units. By dividing the large number of individual electrode connections into smaller manageable groups, the complexity of the wiring network is significantly reduced while maintaining complete electrical connectivity across all electrodes.
3Reliability
If connecting wires are placed on the first surface to connect second electrodes, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but occupied space on the first surface increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the connection path from the first surface (2D plane) to the vertical dimension (3D space). By forming electrode groups that connect adjacent second electrodes through the substrate thickness rather than along the surface, the design eliminates the need for connecting wires on the first surface, preserving maximum available space for other components.
Data Source
AI summary
A touch electrode structure and a capacitive touch system are provided. The touch electrode structure includes: a substrate; a plurality of first electrode series each including a plurality of first electrodes; a plurality of second electrode series each including a plurality of second electrodes; and at least one connecting wire. Each of the second electrode series includes at least one electrode group, and the at least one electrode group includes two of the second electrodes. The two of the second electrodes are electrically connected to each other on a first surface of the substrate, and at least one of the two of the second electrodes is electrically connected to one of the second electrodes adjacent to the at least one of the two of the second electrodes.