Touch Layer Segmentation for Shadow Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mutual capacitive touch structures face issues with visible patterns at crossing positions, making it difficult to eliminate shadows and affecting the visibility of the display, especially in both screen-off and screen-on states.
Innovation Solution
A touch layer design comprising a first conductive pattern layer, a second conductive pattern layer, and an insulation layer, where the first conductive pattern layer includes electrode blocks and connecting patterns, and the second conductive pattern layer forms bridge groups to connect electrode blocks, reducing visibility by dispersing connecting bridges and using polyline-shaped edges and convex teeth to minimize detectability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mutual capacitive touch structures use crossing electrode strips, then touch functionality is achieved, but visible patterns and shadows appear at crossing positions affecting display visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the continuous electrode strips into discrete electrode blocks arranged in an array. This segmentation eliminates the crossing points that cause visible patterns and shadows, while maintaining touch functionality through the distributed electrode block structure that can still detect capacitance changes across the touch surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a planar crossing structure to a three-dimensional stacked structure with multiple conductive pattern layers separated by an insulation layer. This dimensional change allows electrodes to be positioned in different planes, eliminating visible patterns at crossing positions while preserving electrical connectivity and touch sensing capability.
2Reliability
If connecting patterns are used to connect electrode blocks, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but the connecting patterns become visible and affect display aesthetics
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting patterns are moved from the same plane as the electrode blocks to a different layer in the stacked structure. By positioning connecting patterns in separate conductive pattern layers and utilizing the insulation layer spacing, the connections become less visible while maintaining electrical connectivity between electrode blocks.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulation layer acts as an intermediary that separates the conductive pattern layers containing electrode blocks from those containing connecting patterns. This intermediate layer reduces the visibility of connecting patterns by creating physical and optical separation, while still allowing electrical connections to function through the structured arrangement.
3Measurement precision
If electrode blocks are arranged in a dense array, then touch sensing precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode array is segmented into discrete electrode blocks that can be manufactured using standardized patterning processes. This segmentation allows for precise positioning and spacing control, improving touch sensing precision while enabling modular manufacturing approaches that reduce overall manufacturing complexity compared to continuous complex patterns.
Data Source
AI summary
A touch layer includes a first conductive pattern layer, a second conductive pattern layer and an insulation layer. The first conductive pattern layer includes electrode blocks arranged in a first direction, a second touch electrode strip extending along a second direction, and connecting pattern(s). The second conductive pattern layer includes bridge group(s). Two adjacent electrode blocks and a connecting pattern located therebetween are electrically connected by a bridge group, which includes connecting bridges. The insulation layer extends between the first conductive pattern layer and the second conductive pattern layer, and is provided therein with first openings and second openings. An electrode block in the two adjacent electrode blocks is electrically connected to the connecting pattern through connecting bridge(s) in the bridge group; a connecting bridge in the connecting bridge(s) is electrically connected to the electrode block at first opening(s) and is electrically connected to the connecting pattern at second opening(s).