Touch Sensor Routing Structure for Dam Step Difference Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touch display devices face challenges in improving touch sensing performance without compromising image display performance, particularly due to defects in touch routing lines.
Innovation Solution
A touch sensor structure is implemented with a touch insulating layer that reduces step differences between layers in areas with touch routing lines, including a configuration with touch electrodes, routing lines, and pads, and dams in active and non-active areas to prevent or minimize defects in touch routing lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If touch routing lines are extended to connect touch electrodes to pads in the non-active area, then touch sensing capability is improved, but defects occur in the touch routing lines due to step differences between layers
Solution Approach 1:
A touch insulating layer is introduced as an intermediary between the touch routing lines and the dam structure. This layer has a height that compensates for the step difference created by the dam, allowing the touch routing lines to extend over the dam without experiencing harmful step differences that would cause defects.
Solution Approach 2:
The height of the touch insulating layer is specifically controlled to match the height difference between the dam top surface and the surrounding area. By adjusting this parameter, the step difference is eliminated, enabling smooth extension of touch routing lines over the dam structure without causing defects.
2Reliability
If dams are added in the non-active area to define display regions, then image display performance is improved, but step differences are created that cause defects in touch routing lines
Solution Approach 1:
The touch insulating layer serves as a mediator that bridges the step difference created by the dam structure. It fills the gap between the dam top surface and the surrounding area, creating a smooth transition that eliminates manufacturing precision issues while preserving the dam's function in defining display regions.
3Reliability
If touch insulating layer is added to compensate for step differences, then defects in touch routing lines are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The touch insulating layer performs multiple functions: it provides electrical insulation, compensates for step differences, and enables smooth routing line extension over dams. By combining these functions in a single layer, the patent avoids adding multiple separate components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while achieving defect reduction.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure are related to a touch display device that includes a touch sensor. The touch sensor has a touch sensor structure that prevents or at least reduces a defect of a touch routing line that electrically connects a touch electrode and a touch pad. The defect is prevented or at least reduced due to a reduction of a height difference between a dam disposed between an active area and a pad area and a peripheral area thereof.