Three-Layer Touch Panel Electrode with Metal Mesh
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Solution Overview
Problem
Capacitive touch screens face challenges with high electric resistance from transparent conductive materials used in touch panels, which affect transmittance and conductance.
Innovation Solution
A touch panel design incorporating a three-layer structure for sensing electrodes, comprising a first and second transparent conductive layer with a metal mesh layer in between, along with a trace structure for electrical connection, optimized for high transmittance and conductance with reduced mask usage in fabrication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If transparent conductive materials are used in the touch panel, then transmittance is improved, but electric resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining transparent conductive materials (such as ITO or IZO) with metal materials (such as aluminum or silver) to form a multi-layer conductive structure. This composite approach allows the touch panel to simultaneously achieve high transmittance from the transparent conductive material and low electric resistance from the metal layer, resolving the contradiction between these two properties.
2Reliability
If a three-layer structure with metal mesh layer is added, then conductance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive layer is segmented into multiple functional sub-layers: a first transparent conductive layer for initial conduction, a metal mesh layer for enhanced conductivity and signal distribution, and a second transparent conductive layer for completing the conductive path. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function optimally, achieving high conductance while maintaining manageable structural complexity through clear functional division.
3Reliability
If multiple layers are used to improve performance, then transmittance and conductance are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple fabrication steps into integrated processes. The transparent conductive material and metal mesh layer are deposited in a combined sequence, and the pattern formation steps are coordinated to reduce the total number of separate manufacturing operations. This merging approach maintains the performance benefits of the multi-layer structure while reducing manufacturing complexity and process steps.
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 transmittance and conductance of touch panels while minimizing the number of masks required in the fabrication process, improving the overall performance of capacitive touch screens.
Implementation Method 1
the metal mesh layer includes plural metal lines... configured to electrically connect the touch electrode to the control unit
Implementation Method 2
the first transparent conductive layer, a second transparent conductive layer, and a metal mesh layer... to increase the transmittance and conductance
Implementation Method 3
transparent conductive materials... in pursuit of high brightness
Data Source
AI summary
A touch panel includes a substrate, a touch electrode, a control unit, and a trace structure. The substrate has a touch sensing area and a peripheral circuit area. The touch electrode is disposed on the touch sensing area of the substrate. The touch electrode includes a first transparent conductive layer, a second transparent conductive layer, and a metal mesh layer. The second transparent conductive layer is disposed on the first transparent conductive layer. The metal mesh layer is disposed between the first transparent conductive layer and the second transparent conductive layer, in which the metal mesh layer is at least partially in contact with the first transparent conductive layer and the second transparent conductive layer, and the metal mesh layer comprises plural metal lines. The trace structure is disposed on the peripheral circuit area of the substrate and configured to electrically connect the touch electrode to the control unit.