Touch Device Two-Step Mask Layer Impurity Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

The high-temperature baking process in touch panel manufacturing allows impurities like CO2, CO, and H2O from the mask layer to infiltrate into the sensing electrode layer, affecting its conductive performance and sensing sensitivity.

Innovation Solution

A two-step mask layer formation process where a smaller first mask layer is used initially, followed by a larger second mask layer, with the sensing electrode layer formed between these steps, reducing impurity influence and stabilizing the sensing electrode layer's performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a mask layer is formed before the sensing electrode layer and then high-temperature baking is performed, then the mask layer can be formed successfully, but impurities (CO2, CO, H2O) volatilize from the mask layer and infiltrate into the sensing electrode layer, degrading its conductive performance and sensing sensitivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemask layer formationVSAvoidsensing electrode layer conductive performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single mask layer into two separate mask layers formed at different stages. The first mask layer is formed before the sensing electrode layer, and the second mask layer is formed after the sensing electrode layer. This segmentation allows the sensing electrode layer to be formed between the two mask layers, isolating it from impurities generated by the second mask layer during subsequent processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first mask layer is formed in advance before the sensing electrode layer deposition. This preliminary action establishes a protective barrier that prevents impurities from infiltrating the sensing electrode layer during the formation of subsequent layers, particularly during the second mask layer formation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Area of stationary object

If a large-area mask layer is used to cover the peripheral area, then complete coverage is achieved, but the area from which impurities can volatilize increases, affecting the sensing electrode layer performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemask layer coverage areaVSAvoidimpurity generation
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the mask layer coverage into two distinct stages: a first mask layer with smaller coverage area formed before the sensing electrode layer, and a second mask layer with larger coverage area formed after the sensing electrode layer. This segmentation reduces the area of the first mask layer, thereby reducing impurity generation that could affect the sensing electrode layer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different mask layer configurations to different regions and stages: the first mask layer covers only the necessary peripheral area before sensing electrode formation, while the second mask layer provides extended coverage after sensing electrode formation. This local quality approach optimizes coverage while minimizing impurity generation in the critical sensing area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 effectively reduces impurity impact, enhancing the stability and accuracy of touch detection by minimizing the area of the first mask layer and ensuring consistent performance of the sensing electrode layer.

Implementation Method 1

a sensing electrode layer is formed by sputtering, etching and high-temperature baking

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSputtering: Sputtering

Implementation Method 2

in the process of high-temperature baking, impurities such as CO2, CO, and H2O can easily volatilize from the mask layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVolatilization: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentUS8847906B2Touch device and method for manufacturing the same
Publication Date: 2014.09.30 TPK TOUCH SOLUTIONS (XIAMEN) INC
  • US8847906B2 patent drawing
  • US8847906B2 patent drawing
  • US8847906B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A touch device is provided in the present disclosure, wherein the touch device comprises: a protection cover having a sensing area and a peripheral area surrounding the sensing area; a first mask layer disposed in the peripheral area surrounding the sensing area; a second mask layer disposed in the peripheral area surrounding the first mask layer, wherein the area of the second mask layer is bigger than that of the first mask layer; and a sensing electrode layer having a sensing portion located in the sensing area and an extension portion extending from the sensing area to the peripheral area, wherein the extension portion is disposed on the first mask layer. Moreover, a method for manufacturing the touch device described above is also provided in the present disclosure.