Integrated Touch Panel Speaker Using Piezoelectric Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional touch panels and speakers are manufactured separately, leading to increased complexity and cost in portable devices, and existing touch panel technologies do not efficiently integrate touch functionality with sound generation.
Innovation Solution
A display apparatus with a touch panel that incorporates a piezoelectric layer between transparent electrodes, allowing for both touch detection and sound generation through a medium layer and supporting members, which enables the integration of touch panel and speaker functions in a single unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional speaker is used in a portable device, then sound generation function is achieved, but device volume increases and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the speaker function with the touch panel by integrating a piezoelectric layer between the transparent electrodes of the touch panel. This allows the touch panel structure itself to serve as the speaker diaphragm, eliminating the need for a separate conventional speaker and reducing overall device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The touch panel structure is designed to perform multiple functions: touch detection and sound generation. The piezoelectric layer enables the same structural components (transparent electrodes and supporting substrates) to function both as touch sensing elements and as speaker diaphragms that convert electrical signals to sound waves.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional speaker is used in a portable device, then sound generation function is achieved, but manufacturing process complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing processes for the touch panel and speaker are merged into a single integrated process. The piezoelectric layer is formed between the transparent electrodes during the touch panel manufacturing process, eliminating the need for separate speaker assembly and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The same manufacturing process steps produce components that serve dual purposes. The transparent electrodes and supporting substrates are manufactured with specifications that satisfy both touch panel performance requirements and speaker diaphragm requirements, simplifying the overall manufacturing process.
3Measurement precision
If transparent electrodes are formed close together in a touch panel, then touch detection precision is improved, but electrical short between electrodes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The piezoelectric layer serves as an intermediary substance between the transparent electrodes. It provides electrical insulation to prevent short circuits while maintaining the structural integrity needed for high-resolution touch detection. The piezoelectric material fills the gap between electrodes, allowing them to be positioned closer together without risking electrical contact.
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 integrated touch panel and speaker solution simplifies manufacturing, reduces costs, and enhances user interaction by enabling high-resolution touch and sound functionality in portable devices.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric layer formed between the second and third transparent electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
A touch panel includes a first supporting substrate, a second supporting substrate that faces the first supporting substrate, a first transparent electrode formed on the first supporting substrate, a second transparent electrode formed on the second supporting substrate, a third transparent electrode formed between the first and second transparent electrodes, a medium layer formed between the first and third transparent electrodes, and a piezoelectric layer formed between the second and third transparent electrodes.