Touch Panel Organic Conductive Layer Flexibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Flexible touch electrodes for display screens face challenges due to the brittleness of Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) and the high equipment costs and complexity of using metal mesh structures, which fail to meet flexibility and conductivity requirements.

Innovation Solution

A touch panel with organic, transparent, electrically conductive layers covering the touch units, specifically using a combination of patterned first and second organic, transparent, electrically conductive layers to provide electrical conductivity and flexibility, fabricated using materials like ITO and metal with a thickness of 0.1 μm to 2 μm, and employing substrates such as polyimide or glass.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If ITO is used for touch electrodes, then electrical conductivity is achieved, but flexibility is poor due to large brittleness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical conductivityVSAvoidflexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite structure combining ITO touch electrodes with an organic transparent conductive adhesive layer. The adhesive layer contains conductive fillers (silver particles, carbon black, etc.) dispersed in an organic matrix, creating a composite material that provides both electrical conductivity and flexibility. This composite structure allows the brittle ITO to be supported and flexed by the organic adhesive layer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The organic transparent conductive adhesive serves as an intermediary layer between the ITO touch electrodes and the flexible substrate. This intermediate layer transfers and distributes mechanical stress, preventing direct stress concentration on the brittle ITO while maintaining electrical conductivity through the conductive fillers within the adhesive matrix.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If metal mesh structures are used for touch electrodes, then flexibility and electrical conductivity are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase due to high equipment requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidprocess complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive metal mesh structures with a cost-effective organic transparent conductive adhesive that can be applied using conventional printing or coating techniques. This adhesive layer provides sufficient conductivity for flexible applications without requiring complex metal deposition equipment, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the material parameters from inorganic metal meshes to organic polymer-based conductive adhesives. This parameter change allows the use of lower-cost manufacturing processes such as screen printing, inkjet printing, or dip-coating instead of vacuum deposition or electroplating, simplifying the overall fabrication process while maintaining flexibility and conductivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If metal lines are made very fine to achieve flexibility, then flexibility is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidline width precision

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a thin film organic transparent conductive adhesive layer that inherently provides flexibility without requiring fine line patterns. The continuous or near-continuous film structure allows bending and flexing while maintaining electrical connectivity, eliminating the need for precision-crafted fine metal lines and their associated manufacturing challenges.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

The touch electrodes achieve good electrical conductivity and flexibility, meeting the requirements of flexible screens by preventing cracks and maintaining electrical conductivity even when bent, thus enhancing the performance and reducing production costs.

Implementation Method 1

each of the at least one organic, transparent, electrically conductive layer is an organic, transparent, electrically conductive adhesive

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS10963113B2Touch panel and fabrication method thereof

Publication Date: 2021.03.30 WUHAN CHINA STAR OPTOELECTRONICS SEMICONDUCTOR DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY CO LTD

AI summary

A touch panel and a fabrication method thereof are provided. The touch panel includes a plurality of touch electrodes and at least one organic, transparent, electrically conductive layer. The touch electrodes include a plurality of touch units. The at least one organic, transparent, electrically conductive layer covers at least one surface of the touch units. Therefore, the touch electrodes of the touch panel have good electrical conductivity and flexibility.