Touch Member Bridge Electrode Insulation for Panel Warpage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Display panel warpage occurs in touch-enabled display devices, affecting their reliability and longevity, particularly due to the overlap of insulating patterns with bridge electrodes which can cause structural instability.

Innovation Solution

A touch member design featuring a bridge pattern formed of a first conductive layer with an insulating pattern disposed between it and a second conductive layer, where the insulating pattern does not overlap the bridge electrode, reducing the area occupied by insulating patterns and minimizing panel warpage by isolating the bridge electrode from the second conductive layer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an insulating pattern overlaps a bridge electrode to electrically isolate conductive layers, then electrical insulation is achieved, but panel warpage occurs due to structural instability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical insulationVSAvoidpanel flatness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the insulating pattern from its conventional position overlapping the bridge electrode, relocating it to only cover portions of the second conductive layer. This separation removes the source of structural instability while preserving the necessary electrical insulation function through alternative positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The insulating pattern is segmented into multiple discrete regions rather than forming a continuous overlay. It covers only specific portions of the second conductive layer where insulation is needed, leaving the bridge electrode exposed and structurally intact, thus preventing warpage while maintaining electrical isolation where required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If insulating patterns are positioned to cover bridge electrodes, then electrical isolation between conductive layers is ensured, but the area occupied by insulating patterns increases causing structural stress

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical isolationVSAvoidinsulating pattern area
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The insulating pattern is applied locally rather than uniformly across the entire bridge electrode area. It covers only specific portions of the second conductive layer where electrical isolation is necessary, minimizing the total area occupied by insulating material while maintaining functional effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If insulating patterns overlap the entire bridge electrode, then complete electrical insulation is achieved, but panel warpage and structural instability occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomplete electrical insulationVSAvoidpanel structural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The insulating pattern is extracted from the bridge electrode region entirely, removing the cause of structural instability. Electrical insulation is achieved through the pattern's repositioned coverage of the second conductive layer, maintaining functionality without compromising structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of providing complete coverage of the bridge electrode with insulating material, the patent applies partial coverage of the second conductive layer. This partial action is sufficient to achieve the necessary electrical isolation while avoiding the excessive material presence that causes warpage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP3599542B1Touch member and display device including the same
Publication Date: 2023.05.10 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP3599542B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3599542B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3599542B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A touch member includes a first touch electrode including a plurality of first sub-detection electrode patterns. The touch member includes a second touch electrode including a plurality of second sub-detection electrode. An electrode pattern connecting portion electrically connects adjacent second sub-detection electrode patterns. An island electrode pattern is disposed in the second touch electrode. A bridge electrode electrically connects a first sub-detection electrode of the first sub-detection electrode patterns to the island electrode pattern. The bridge electrode is formed of a first conductive layer. The first sub-detection electrode patterns, the electrode pattern connecting portion, the second sub-detection electrode patterns, and the island electrode pattern are formed of a second conductive layer. An insulating pattern is disposed between the bridge pattern and a part of the second conductive layer overlapping with the bridge pattern. The insulating pattern does not overlap a part of the bridge pattern.