Touch Panel Dummy Layers Reduce Visual Electrode Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional touch panels with electrostatic capacitance type configurations have visually recognizable electrode patterns due to significant level differences between patterned and non-patterned regions, affecting their appearance and functionality.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of dummy layers and groove portions in the touch panel design, which are electrically isolated from the conductive layers, reduces visual recognizability by minimizing level differences and enhancing insulating performance and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If electrode patterns are formed only at some portions of the substrate, then the touch panel structure is simplified and manufacturing is easier, but significant level differences are created causing the patterns to be visually recognizable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the copying principle by creating dummy patterns that replicate the shape, size, and thickness of the electrode patterns. These dummy patterns are positioned in regions where no electrode patterns exist, effectively copying the visual appearance of the electrode regions. This copying approach allows the surface to appear uniform without requiring complex manufacturing processes, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and visual recognizability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating between regions with electrode patterns and regions without them. In regions without electrode patterns, dummy patterns are introduced to match the visual characteristics of the electrode regions. This localized modification ensures that each region has the appropriate visual properties, eliminating the visual contrast between patterned and non-patterned areas while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
2Shape
If dummy layers are added to reduce level differences, then visual recognizability is suppressed, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by integrating the dummy patterns into the existing adhesive layer structure. The dummy patterns are formed within the same adhesive layer that bonds the electrode patterns to the substrate, combining multiple functions into a single layer. This integration reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for separate dummy layer structures while still achieving the visual uniformity goal.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive layer serves multiple functions: it bonds the electrode patterns to the substrate, provides the dummy patterns in non-electrode regions, and maintains uniform thickness across the entire surface. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for separate components, as the adhesive layer simultaneously achieves structural bonding and visual uniformity.
3Reliability
If the dummy layer is made electrically isolated from the conductive layer, then insulating performance is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies taking out by extracting the electrical conductivity function from the dummy patterns. The dummy patterns are formed in non-conductive adhesive material, completely separating them from the conductive electrode patterns. This extraction ensures that the dummy patterns cannot create electrical connections, improving insulating performance while allowing greater manufacturing tolerance since precise electrical isolation is not required.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive layer serves as an intermediary that provides both mechanical bonding and electrical isolation. By using the adhesive material to form both the bonding layer and the dummy patterns, the patent creates a natural electrical barrier between conductive and non-conductive regions. This intermediary approach improves insulating performance without requiring additional precision, as the adhesive material inherently provides electrical isolation.
Data Source
AI summary
A touch panel includes a substrate, a first adhesive layer stacked on the substrate, a first conductive layer stacked on the first adhesive layer and having a first electrode pattern, a second adhesive layer stacked on the first adhesive layer and the first conductive layer, and a second conductive layer stacked on the second adhesive layer and having a second electrode pattern. The first electrode pattern includes first island-like electrode portions and first connecting portions electrically interconnecting the first island-like electrode portions. The second electrode pattern includes a plurality of second island-like electrode portions formed in a spaced apart relationship in a second direction intersecting a first direction so as not to be overlapped with the first electrode pattern, and second connecting portions electrically interconnecting the second island-like electrode portions over via the first connecting portions.