Touch Screen Panel Auxiliary Metal Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing electrostatic capacity type touch screen panels require a complex mask process and increased number of masks due to the need for separate coupling patterns, which leads to high line resistance and reduced sensing sensitivity at intersection points of sensing patterns.
Innovation Solution
The touch screen panel design features first and second sensing patterns in different layers, with auxiliary metal patterns of lower resistance formed on the edges to reduce intersection resistance and simplify the process by eliminating the need for separate coupling patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate coupling patterns are formed in the same layer as sensing patterns, then the sensing patterns can be electrically coupled, but the number of masks increases and the process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the coupling patterns from the same layer (2D plane) to a different layer (3D space), specifically forming coupling patterns on the back surface of the substrate while sensing patterns remain on the front surface. This dimensional transition eliminates the need for separate mask processes while maintaining electrical coupling functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the sensing patterns and coupling patterns into distinct spatial locations (front surface and back surface respectively), allowing them to be formed through different process steps without interfering with each other, thus simplifying the overall manufacturing process.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the coupling pattern width is minimized to reduce parasitic capacitance, then parasitic capacitance decreases, but line resistance increases and sensing sensitivity is lowered
Solution Approach 1:
By relocating coupling patterns to the back surface, the patent allows these patterns to extend with greater width and length without increasing parasitic capacitance affecting the sensing performance, as the coupling occurs through the substrate thickness rather than in the same plane as the sensing elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate itself acts as an intermediary medium for electrical coupling between the front surface sensing patterns and back surface coupling patterns, allowing broader coupling patterns to be used without directly increasing parasitic capacitance at the sensing interface.
3Device complexity
If first and second sensing patterns are positioned in the same layer, then the structure is simplified, but separate coupling patterns through contact holes are required increasing process complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the third dimension (substrate thickness) to separate sensing patterns and coupling patterns into different surfaces, eliminating the need for contact holes and separate mask processes that would be required if both pattern types were in the same layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the formation of sensing patterns and coupling patterns into a more integrated process by forming coupling patterns on the back surface during the same manufacturing sequence, reducing the total number of discrete mask and etch steps required.
Data Source
AI summary
The touch screen panel of the present invention includes first sensing patterns formed on a transparent substrate, a first insulating film formed on the first sensing patterns, second sensing patterns formed on the first insulating film, a plurality of metal patterns disposed on edge regions of the first and second sensing patterns, and a plurality of auxiliary metal patterns formed in the same layer as the metal patterns. Each of the first and second sensing patterns has sensing cells and coupling lines. Each of the coupling lines connects two of the sensing cells. Each of the metal patterns is coupled to the first sensing pattern or to the second sensing pattern, and each of the auxiliary metal patterns being formed on one of the first coupling lines or on one of the second coupling lines.