Touch Screen Pad Corrosion Protection via Composite Conductive Layers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Touch screen panels with low resistance metal pads are prone to corrosion when exposed to external signals, degrading the reliability of the touch screen due to oxidation and corrosion, especially when flexible electronic devices are used.
Innovation Solution
A touch screen panel design that includes a substrate with touch electrodes and connection lines, where the pad is protected by multiple conductive layers, including a first and second protective conductive layer, and a passivation layer to prevent corrosion, and a manufacturing method that reduces the number of masks used in the process, thereby shortening the production time and lowering costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a low resistance metal pad is exposed to provide electrical connection, then electrical conductivity is improved, but the pad becomes prone to oxidation and corrosion which degrades reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a protective conductive layer as an intermediary between the low resistance metal pad and the external environment. This protective layer acts as a mediator that prevents direct contact between the pad and corrosive elements while maintaining electrical conductivity, thereby resolving the contradiction between electrical connection and corrosion prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structure combining multiple conductive layers with different properties. The low resistance metal pad is combined with a protective conductive layer that has corrosion resistance, creating a composite material system that simultaneously achieves high conductivity and environmental stability
2Reliability
If multiple protective layers are added to protect the pad from corrosion, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing process become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The protective conductive layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides corrosion protection, maintains electrical conductivity, and integrates with the existing touch screen structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate protective components, thereby managing device complexity while improving reliability
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple masks are used in manufacturing process to create protective layers, then manufacturing precision is improved, but productivity decreases and production time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the formation of protective layers with the existing touch electrode patterning process. By combining these steps into a single manufacturing flow, the need for separate masking steps is eliminated, maintaining manufacturing precision while significantly improving productivity and reducing production time
Data Source
AI summary
A touch screen panel includes a substrate, touch electrodes disposed on a touch area of the substrate and configured to sense a touch, and a connection line disposed on the touch area, the connection line including a first end connected a touch electrode of the touch electrodes and a second end connected to a pad, the pad including a first conductive layer disposed on the substrate, a second conductive layer disposed on the first conductive layer, and a first protective conductive layer disposed on the second conductive layer, in which the touch electrode includes the first conductive layer, and the first protective conductive layer.