Touch Panel Electrode Structure with Insulated Intersecting Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional capacitive touch panels are too thick due to the complexity of manufacturing processes involving multiple layers and lead lines, which complicates the formation of diamond-shaped patches and increases panel thickness.
Innovation Solution
The electrode structure features first and second conductive cells on a substrate with insulated and intersecting conductive lines, where each second conductive line is divided into a conducting element and pairs of branches, reducing thickness and simplifying manufacturing by placing cells on the same surface and using an insulating layer at intersections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If conventional capacitive touch panel manufacturing processes are used with multiple layers and lead lines, then touch signal transmission accuracy is maintained, but panel thickness increases and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple separate layers and lead lines into a single integrated electrode structure. The conductive lines directly connect conductive cells without requiring separate lead lines or intermediate layers, thereby reducing panel thickness while maintaining electrical connectivity and signal transmission accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary intermediate layers and lead lines from the conventional multi-layer structure. By removing these redundant components and directly connecting conductive cells through simplified conductive lines, the manufacturing process becomes less complex and panel thickness is reduced.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional multi-layer electrode structures are used, then electrical connectivity is ensured, but manufacturing process becomes complicated and panel thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple manufacturing steps and layers into a single integrated electrode structure that can be manufactured in fewer steps. The conductive lines and conductive cells form a unified structure that eliminates the need for separate lead line attachment processes, simplifying manufacturing while reducing overall thickness.
3Ease of manufacture
If conductive lines are made visible to ensure connectivity, then electrical connection is maintained, but appearance quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different properties to different parts of the electrode structure. The conductive lines are designed to be sufficiently conductive for electrical connectivity while having minimized visibility in the visible spectrum. This local differentiation allows the lines to fulfill their electrical function without compromising the overall appearance quality of the touch panel.
Data Source
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AI summary
An electrode structure is provided. The electrode structure comprises a plurality of first conductive cells and second conductive cells separated from each other and disposed on a substrate; a plurality of first conductive lines connecting adjacent said first conductive cells and a plurality of second conductive lines connecting adjacent said second conductive cells; wherein each said second conductive line comprises a conducting element and a pair of second conductive branches disposed at two sides of said conducting elements and connecting said conducting element to adjacent said second conductive cells; said first conductive lines and said second conductive lines are insulated and intersected. The method of forming an electrode structure is also provided.