Touch Layer Opening Layout for Accurate Input Around Sensors

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Solution Overview

Problem

The formation of an opening in a touch layer leads to a break in the touch line, causing inaccurate recognition of user inputs such as touch or hovering inputs.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device includes a touch layer with a first and second touch line arranged in different directions, a connection wire around the opening to connect electrodes, and a compensation pattern to improve sensitivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If an opening is formed in the touch layer to expose the sensor, then the sensor can be visually exposed to the outside, but the touch line around the opening is broken causing loss of touch electrode and inaccurate touch input recognition

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor visual exposureVSAvoidtouch input recognition accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The touch line is divided into multiple segments: the first touch electrode, second touch electrode, third touch electrode, and fourth touch electrode are separated by the opening but remain electrically connected through connection wires. This segmentation allows the opening to be formed while maintaining the functional integrity of the touch line through distributed electrode segments that can be reconnected via alternative paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Connection wires are introduced as intermediary elements to bridge the gap created by the opening. These wires connect the separated touch electrodes (first to second, third to fourth) around the opening, serving as mediators that restore electrical continuity without requiring the touch line to pass directly through the opening area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the touch line is arranged to cross at the opening region, then the sensor can be disposed under the designated region, but the touch electrode is lost and touch sensitivity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor placement flexibilityVSAvoidtouch electrode continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical connection path is moved from a two-dimensional plane (direct linear connection through the opening region) to a three-dimensional configuration by routing connection wires around the opening in the surrounding part. This dimensional change allows the sensor to be placed under the designated region while maintaining touch electrode continuity through an alternative spatial path.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Area of stationary object

If the touch electrode area is reduced around the opening, then the opening can be formed for sensor exposure, but the touch sensitivity and input accuracy are degraded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveopening area for sensorVSAvoidtouch input accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The connection wires are merged with the touch electrode structure to form a continuous conductive path. By combining the function of the touch electrode with the connection wire that routes around the opening, the system maintains effective touch sensitivity despite the reduced electrode area around the opening, as the merged structure provides both mechanical connection and electrical continuity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4715541A2Electronic device comprising touch layer having opening
Publication Date: 2026.03.25 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4715541A2 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4715541A2 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4715541A2 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

According to various embodiments of the present invention, an electronic device may comprise a touch layer in which a sensor may be disposed below a designated area, wherein the touch layer comprises: a first touch line including a first touch electrode and a second touch electrode arranged in a first direction in the designated area; a second touch line including a third touch electrode and a fourth touch electrode arranged in a second direction while crossing the first touch line in the designated area; a first opening formed in the area where the first touch line and the second touch line cross each other; and a first connection wiring disposed in the peripheral portion of the first opening and connecting the first touch electrode and the second touch electrode to each other. Various other embodiments are also possible.