Touch Panel Merging Sensing and Shielding Layers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
On-cell touch panels have high manufacturing costs due to increased steps and material costs, leading to low yield and high costs, primarily because of electrostatic issues and the need for multiple layers in the manufacturing process.
Innovation Solution
A touch panel design that incorporates a patterned, transparent first conductive layer functioning as both a sensing pattern and an electrostatic protection layer, reducing the number of layers needed by dividing the electrostatic protection into a sensing layer and a shielding layer, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple layers are added to provide electrostatic protection, then electrostatic issues are resolved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrostatic protection layer and the first sensing layer into a single transparent conductive layer. This merged structure eliminates the need for separate insulation layers between them, reducing the total number of layers while maintaining both electrostatic protection and touch sensing functions. The layer is patterned with both shielding patterns and sensing patterns to achieve dual functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent conductive layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrostatic protection through shielding patterns, enables touch sensing through sensing patterns, and maintains optical transparency. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated layers for each function, reducing overall device complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple layers and manufacturing steps are used, then electrostatic protection is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the electrostatic protection layer and first sensing layer into one transparent conductive layer, the patent reduces the number of deposition steps, patterning steps, and alignment procedures required. This consolidation directly lowers manufacturing cost while maintaining electrostatic protection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-functional transparent conductive layer performs electrostatic protection, touch sensing, and optical transmission in a single component. This eliminates the need for multiple separate manufacturing processes, reducing both material costs and processing costs associated with depositing, patterning, and aligning multiple distinct layers.
3Reliability
If a transparent conductive layer is added for electrostatic protection, then electrostatic issues are resolved, but the number of manufacturing steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrostatic protection layer and first sensing layer into a single transparent conductive layer with integrated patterning. This eliminates the need for separate deposition and patterning steps for each layer, reducing the total number of manufacturing steps while achieving both electrostatic protection and touch sensing functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of this invention provides a touch panel, which comprises a touch screen and a display. The touch screen comprises a patterned, transparent first conductive layer comprising a sensing pattern and a shielding pattern. The touch panel features in that the touch screen employs the sensing pattern as a sensing layer, and the display employs the shielding pattern as an electrostatic protection layer.