Touch Electrode Structure with Segmented Openings for Foldable Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable display devices with touch electrodes are prone to micro cracks when bent, leading to potential fracture of the bridge structure and compromised touch functionality.
Innovation Solution
The touch electrode structure includes first and second touch electrodes arranged in a specific pattern with openings that extend along different directions, featuring first extending portions at the ends of the body portions to prevent micro cracks and improve bending reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the touch electrode structure is bent along a bending axis, then the foldable display device can be folded for convenience in carrying, but micro cracks are generated leading to fracture of the bridge structure
Solution Approach 1:
The first touch electrode is divided into multiple first touch electrode blocks separated by bridge structures. Each block contains first openings with body portions and extending portions that segment the stress during bending, preventing crack propagation through the entire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The first openings are designed with extending portions that extend along the first direction (perpendicular to the bending axis). This dimensional extension creates a cross-shaped opening pattern that distributes bending stress across multiple dimensions, preventing micro cracks from forming and propagating along the bending axis.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the touch electrode structure is bent, then the device can be folded, but the bridge structure may fracture due to micro cracks
Solution Approach 1:
The first openings with extending portions are designed in advance before bending occurs. The extending portions act as pre-stress distribution elements that preemptively prevent micro crack formation at critical stress points, thereby protecting the bridge structure from fracture during subsequent bending operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The extending portions of the first openings are strategically positioned at locations where stress concentration is most likely to occur during bending. These localized structural features provide enhanced stress distribution specifically at critical points, protecting the bridge structure without requiring modification of the entire electrode structure.
3Ease of operation
If first openings are provided in the first touch electrode blocks, then the touch function can be realized, but micro cracks are prone to generation when bent
Solution Approach 1:
The first openings are designed with extending portions that extend along the first direction (perpendicular to the bending axis). This creates a cross-shaped opening pattern that distributes bending stress across multiple dimensions, preventing micro cracks from forming and propagating along the bending axis while maintaining the touch electrode's functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The first openings have an asymmetric cross-shaped structure with body portions and extending portions of different orientations. The extending portions are specifically designed to extend perpendicular to the bending axis, creating an asymmetric stress distribution pattern that prevents crack propagation along the bending direction while preserving touch sensitivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A touch electrode structure and a display device. The touch electrode structure includes a plurality of first touch electrodes and a plurality of second touch electrodes; each first touch electrode extends along a second direction; each second touch electrode extends along the first direction. Each first touch electrode includes a plurality of first touch electrode blocks and bridge structures; the plurality of first touch electrode blocks are arranged along the second direction; the bridge structures are located between every two adjacent first touch electrode blocks; each first touch electrode block includes a plurality of first openings; each first opening includes a first body portion and first extension portions located at two ends of the first body portion; each first body portion extends approximately along the second direction; each first extension portion extends approximately along the first direction.