Touch Panel Electrode Segmentation for OLED Cathode Interference
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The proximity of the electron emission layer (cathode) in flexible OLED panels to the touch sensor interferes with the touch sensor signal, leading to reduced node capacitance and low detection accuracy due to the thin film encapsulation material's thickness.
Innovation Solution
A touch panel design featuring first and second electrode chains on a substrate, where the first electrode comprises a first and second sub-electrode electrically connected and spaced apart, with the second electrode surrounding both, increasing the mutual capacitance between electrodes for improved detection accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the touch sensor is placed close to the OLED cathode to reduce distance, then the touch sensor can be integrated more closely with the display, but the cathode electric field interferes with the touch sensor signal, reducing detection accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The first electrode is divided into multiple sub-electrodes (first sub-electrode and second sub-electrode) that are spaced apart from each other. This segmentation increases the mutual boundary length between the first electrode and the second electrode, thereby increasing the mutual capacitance and improving touch detection accuracy despite the close proximity to the cathode.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a simple linear electrode arrangement to a multi-dimensional configuration where sub-electrodes are spatially distributed and the second electrode surrounds them. This dimensional change increases the effective interaction area and mutual capacitance without increasing the physical footprint or distance requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the thin film encapsulation material thickness is reduced to ten-plus micrometers for flexibility, then the OLED panel achieves better flexibility, but the distance between the touch sensor and cathode becomes too small, causing electric field interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potentially harmful close proximity and electric field interference into a benefit by designing an electrode structure that maximizes mutual capacitance. The segmented first electrode and surrounding second electrode create a configuration where the electric field is better utilized for touch detection, turning the interference problem into an enhanced sensing capability.
3Measurement precision
If the mutual capacitance between electrodes is increased to improve detection accuracy, then the touch detection accuracy improves, but the electrode structure becomes more complex with multiple sub-electrodes and surrounding configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode structure serves multiple functions: the first sub-electrodes provide sensing elements, the second electrode acts as both a driving electrode and a surrounding structure to maximize mutual capacitance, and the overall configuration enables both touch detection and electrical connection functions within a unified design.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances touch detection accuracy by increasing the mutual capacitance between electrodes, effectively mitigating the interference from the cathode's electric field and improving signal reliability.
Implementation Method 1
increasing the mutual capacitance between the first electrode and the second electrode
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a touch panel and a touch device. The touch panel comprises: a substrate; a plurality of first electrode chains and second electrode chains on the substrate, disposed in a repeated and cross-insulating manner; the first electrode chain comprising a plurality of first electrodes, and the second electrode chain comprising a plurality of second electrodes; wherein the first electrode comprising a first sub-electrode and a second sub-electrode, electrically connected to each other, the first sub-electrode and the second sub-electrode being disposed spaced apart, and the second electrode surrounding both the first sub-electrode and the second sub-electrode. The touch panel of the invention provides higher touch detection accuracy.