Touch Structure Insulating Layer Reduces Mask Count

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Solution Overview

Problem

The manufacturing process of capacitive touch panels, such as OGS and on-cell touch panels, requires multiple masks, leading to high production costs and the risk of wire disconnections due to the undercut phenomenon at bonding positions, which increases the complexity and expense of the photolithography process.

Innovation Solution

A touch structure is designed with an insulating layer between intersecting first and second touch electrodes, where the insulating layer includes sections that cover the signal transmission structures, reducing the need for additional masks and protecting the signal transmission structures from oxidation and scratches, thereby preventing wire disconnections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If photolithography process with masks is used to manufacture touch panels, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and production cost increase due to multiple masks required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidnumber of masks

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The insulating layer is integrated with the signal transmission structure to form a combined structure that performs both insulation and signal transmission functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate mask processes for each function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The insulating layer serves multiple functions: it provides electrical insulation between intersecting touch electrodes, protects signal transmission structures from oxidation and scratches, and enables signal transmission through its transparent properties, reducing the need for additional protective layers and masks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple masks are used in photolithography process, then manufacturing precision is improved, but production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepattern accuracyVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The insulating layer and signal transmission structure are combined into a single integrated structure, allowing both functions to be achieved in one manufacturing step rather than requiring separate processes and masks for each

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the protective function from separate protective layers and integrates it into the insulating layer itself, which inherently protects signal transmission structures from oxidation and mechanical damage while maintaining transparency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of manufacture

If signal transmission structures are exposed without protection, then manufacturing process is simplified, but reliability decreases due to wire disconnections from oxidation and scratches

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocess simplicityVSAvoidwire connection stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The insulating layer is formed to cover and protect signal transmission structures before they are exposed to environmental factors, preventing oxidation and mechanical damage in advance rather than requiring post-protection measures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The insulating layer acts as an intermediary protective barrier between the signal transmission structures and the external environment, preventing direct contact with oxygen and mechanical contaminants while allowing electrical signal transmission through its transparent properties

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 approach reduces the number of masks required in the manufacturing process, lowers production costs, and minimizes the risk of wire disconnections by effectively insulating and protecting the signal transmission structures, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the touch panel production.

Implementation Method 1

the first section is disposed between the first touch electrode and the second touch electrode to insulate the first touch electrode from the second touch electrode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 2

the second section covers the first signal transmission structure... protecting the signal transmission structures from oxidation and scratches

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical protection:

Data Source

PatentUS10444914B2Touch structure and preparation method therefor, touch substrate, and display device

Publication Date: 2019.10.15 BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO LTD

AI summary

A touch structure includes a base substrate, an insulating layer disposed thereon, a first touch electrode and a second touch electrode intersecting each other, and a first signal transmission structure electrically connected with the first touch electrode. The insulating layer includes a first section that is disposed at the intersecting position of the first touch electrode and the second touch electrode and is located between the first touch electrode and the second touch electrode to insulate same from each other, and a second section that is disposed at the same layer as the first section and covers the first signal transmission structure.