Touch Screen Electrode Layer Merging for Thickness Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current touch screens combining capacitive and electromagnetic technologies result in a thick final product, which is not desirable in the market.
Innovation Solution
The touch screen design includes capacitive touch sensing and driving electrodes in one layer, with first and second electromagnetic touch electrodes also in the same layer, but insulated and intersecting, reducing the number of layers and thickness while maintaining both touch functions. This design allows for shared manufacturing processes and increased light transmittance using transparent conducting oxides like ITO.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If capacitive and electromagnetic touch screens are combined separately, then both touch functions are achieved, but the thickness of the touch screen increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines capacitive touch sensing electrodes and electromagnetic touch electrodes into the same layer structure. The capacitive sensing electrodes and electromagnetic electrodes are arranged in overlapping regions within a single transparent conducting oxide layer, eliminating the need for separate layers and reducing overall thickness while maintaining both touch functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent conducting oxide layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the capacitive touch sensing electrode and the electromagnetic touch electrode. This multi-functional design allows a single layer to provide both capacitive and electromagnetic touch capabilities, reducing the need for additional layers and minimizing thickness.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple layers are used for capacitive and electromagnetic electrodes, then both touch functions are maintained, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the capacitive and electromagnetic electrode structures into a single layer. The transparent conducting oxide layer is patterned to form both capacitive sensing electrodes and electromagnetic electrodes that overlap in specific regions, reducing the total number of layers and simplifying the manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The same transparent conducting oxide layer performs dual functions as both capacitive and electromagnetic electrodes. By using a single material layer for both purposes, the patent reduces manufacturing complexity and eliminates the need for separate deposition processes for different electrode types.
3Illumination intensity
If transparent conducting oxides are used for all electrodes, then light transmittance is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different patterns and insulation strategies to different regions of the transparent conducting oxide layer. In overlapping regions, specific insulation measures are implemented to prevent short circuits, while in non-overlapping regions, the electrodes maintain high light transmittance. This localized approach allows the use of transparent conducting oxides throughout while managing manufacturing precision requirements.
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 solution significantly reduces the thickness of the touch screen while ensuring both electromagnetic and capacitive touch functions are maintained, optimizing manufacturing efficiency and light transmittance.
Implementation Method 1
increased light transmittance using transparent conducting oxides like ITO
Implementation Method 2
coupling capacitance is generated between the finger and both the capacitive touch driving electrodes and the capacitive touch sensing electrodes in the touch screen, resulting in capacitance variation around the touch point
Implementation Method 3
the electromagnetic wave passes through the wires, generating an induced electromotive force V, and the closer to the position of the electromagnetic pen, the stronger the induced electromotive force is
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a touch screen and a display device. In the touch screen, the first electromagnetic touch electrodes (210) and the capacitive touch sensing electrodes (110) are disposed in the same layer, the second electromagnetic touch electrodes (220) and the capacitive touch driving electrodes (120) are disposed in the same layer, such that it is possible to simplify layer structures of the touch screen to a great extent, thereby reducing the thickness of the entire touch screen, while guaranteeing electromagnetic touch effect and capacitive touch effect, and simplify the manufacturing process and in turn save the production costs of the entire touch screen.