Touch Panel Electrode Layering for IPS Sensitivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing touch screens face reduced touch sensitivity due to electrode placement below pixel electrodes and are not compatible with IPS liquid crystal display devices.

Innovation Solution

A touch panel design that integrates common electrodes with pixel electrodes in the same layer, using mutual-capacitance touch technology, with touch leads on multiple metal layers connected via holes, enhancing sensitivity and compatibility with IPS technology.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If electrodes are arranged below pixel electrodes, then the display structure is simplified, but touch sensitivity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay structureVSAvoidtouch sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a single-layer electrode arrangement to a multi-layer structure by placing touch electrodes in the same layer as pixel electrodes, utilizing the vertical dimension (different metal layers) to resolve the conflict between structural simplicity and touch sensitivity. This allows both functions to coexist without compromising either.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the electrode functions by separating touch electrode patterns from pixel electrode patterns within the same layer, allowing independent optimization of each function while maintaining overall structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If existing touch technology is used, then touch functionality is achieved, but compatibility with IPS liquid crystal display devices is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with IPS technologyVSAvoidtouch technology functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the common electrode serve dual functions: as a common electrode for IPS liquid crystal display operation and as a touch electrode for touch sensing. This multi-functionality approach enables compatibility with IPS technology while maintaining reliable touch functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the touch electrode function with the common electrode function, combining two previously separate functions into a single electrode structure that operates effectively for both IPS display and touch sensing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If touch electrodes are placed in the same layer as pixel electrodes, then touch sensitivity is increased, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetouch sensitivityVSAvoidmanufacturing process

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the formation of touch electrodes and pixel electrodes into a single manufacturing step using the same metal layer and patterning process, thereby increasing touch sensitivity without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10824324B2Touch panel and method for manufacturing the same

Publication Date: 2020.11.03 TCL CHINA STAR OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO LTD

AI summary

Disclosed is a touch panel and a method for manufacturing the same. The panel includes a first metal layer formed on a substrate, a first insulation layer formed on the first metal layer, a second metal layer formed on the first insulation layer, a second insulation layer formed on the second metal layer, and an electrode layer formed on the second insulation layer.