Touch Device Electrode Protrusion Bezel Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In touch devices with small form factor touch panels, the integration of touch panels with cover glass can be challenging due to the need for bezels to shield wires, which complicates the accuracy of the combination and design flexibility, especially when the cover glass is bendable.
Innovation Solution
The touch device incorporates a touch panel with an electrode member that has a larger cross-sectional area than the cover substrate, allowing it to protrude or overlap the sensing and wire electrodes, which are received in a case, thereby minimizing the need for additional bezels and enhancing design flexibility and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a touch panel with size less than cover glass is applied, then the touch panel can be integrated with curved or flexible cover glass, but a bezel for shielding wire is required which complicates design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrode member with the cover glass by forming the electrode member directly on the cover glass surface. This integration eliminates the need for separate wire shielding bezels, as the electrode structure itself serves both the touch sensing function and the wire routing function, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability to curved surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode member is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as the touch sensing element, the wire routing path, and the shielding structure. By making the electrode member multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for additional dedicated wire shielding bezels, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
2Length of moving object
If the touch panel size is reduced, then the device form factor is improved, but the accuracy of combining the touch panel with the cover glass is deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the touch panel and cover glass into a single integrated structure where the electrode member is formed directly on the cover glass. This merging eliminates the need for separate assembly of touch panel and cover glass, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision even when the device form factor is reduced.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the electrode member in the vertical dimension to protrude from the cover glass surface. This dimensional extension allows the electrode to serve multiple functions including wire routing and shielding, which compensates for the reduced horizontal size and maintains assembly accuracy in smaller form factors.
3Area of stationary object
If the electrode member has larger cross-sectional area than cover substrate, then bezel size is reduced, but the electrode protrudes which may affect design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by allowing the electrode member to protrude from the cover glass surface. This dimensional approach enables the electrode to provide extended functionality for wire routing and shielding while the projection area is minimized, effectively reducing bezel size without compromising design through excessive protrusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode member is designed with non-uniform cross-sectional area, being larger only in the specific regions where wire routing and shielding are needed, while maintaining a smaller profile in other areas. This localized quality approach reduces the overall projection area and bezel size while maintaining the necessary functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a touch device. The touch device includes a case; a cover substrate on the case; and an electrode member received in the case, wherein the electrode member has a cross-sectional area larger than that of the cover substrate.