Touch Panel Connection Pad Miniaturization via Merged Wiring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional touch panels require a large area for connection pads and conductors, increasing the size of the panel due to the need for multiple connection pads and conductors, which hampers the miniaturization of portable electronic devices like smartphones and tablets.
Innovation Solution
The touch panel design reduces the number of connection pads by using a configuration where a single connection pad is connected to multiple conductors through a first wiring extending towards one end and a second wiring extending along the base body, allowing the conductors to be connected without crossing each other, thereby minimizing the area occupied by the connection unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple connection pads and conductors are used to connect conductors, then the connection reliability is improved, but the area occupied by the connection unit increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple conductors (first conductor and second conductor) are connected to a single first connection pad through separate wirings (first wiring and second wiring), merging multiple connection functions into one connection pad location. This reduces the area occupied by connection pads while maintaining reliable electrical connections to all conductors.
Solution Approach 2:
The wirings are routed in different spatial paths around the conductor group - the first wiring extends in a first direction and the second wiring extends in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. This dimensional separation allows multiple connections without requiring additional connection pad area, as connections are achieved through spatial routing rather than additional pad locations.
2Reliability
If conductors are connected through multiple connection pads, then the electrical connection is improved, but the overall touch panel size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first connection pad serves as a common connection point for multiple conductors, combining multiple electrical connection functions into a single pad. This reduces the total area required for connection pads, thereby reducing the overall touch panel size while maintaining proper electrical connectivity to all conductors through the shared pad.
Solution Approach 2:
The first connection pad performs multiple functions by serving as the connection point for both the first conductor and the second conductor. This multi-functional use of a single connection pad reduces the number of pads needed, shrinking the touch panel area while preserving comprehensive electrical connectivity.
3Area of stationary object
If a compact arrangement of connection pads is used, then the touch panel area is reduced, but the wiring complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wirings are routed in orthogonal directions (first direction and second direction) around the conductor group, utilizing different spatial dimensions to achieve separation and organization. This dimensional routing strategy manages wiring complexity systematically while maintaining a compact connection pad arrangement, as the orthogonal paths prevent interference and simplify routing planning.
Solution Approach 2:
The wiring paths are segmented into distinct directional segments - the first wiring extends in a first direction and the second wiring extends in a second direction. This segmentation of wiring paths into separate directional segments simplifies the overall wiring layout and reduces complexity, making the compact arrangement more manageable despite the reduced area.
Data Source
AI summary
A touch panel includes a panel unit. The panel unit includes a base body, a conductor row, a first connection pad, a first wiring, and a second wiring. The first wiring includes a first line segment extending from the first connection pad toward a second end, and electrically connects a first conductor and the first connection pad to each other, on the base body. The second wiring includes a second line segment extending from the first connection pad toward a first end, a third line segment extending along the first end, and electrically connects the second conductor and the first connection pad to each other, on the base body.