Bendable Touch Sensing Unit with Self-Assembled Monolayer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bendable touch sensing units in display devices are prone to crack propagation due to bending, which compromises their durability and profile slimness.
Innovation Solution
A touch sensing unit is designed with an insulating layer comprising a first inorganic insulating layer, a self-assembled monolayer, and a second inorganic insulating layer, where the self-assembled monolayer acts as an organic insulating layer to prevent crack propagation and reduce thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a bendable touch sensing unit is used to provide flexibility and slim profile, then adaptability and device thickness are improved, but crack propagation occurs during bending which reduces reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating layer is constructed as a composite structure comprising alternating inorganic insulating layers and organic insulating layers. The inorganic layers provide mechanical strength and crack resistance, while the organic layers provide flexibility and stress absorption. This composite architecture enables the touch sensing unit to maintain both flexibility and reliability when bent.
Solution Approach 2:
The organic insulating layers function as flexible thin films that can accommodate bending deformations without cracking. These thin film layers are strategically positioned within the insulating layer structure to absorb mechanical stress during bending, preventing crack propagation while maintaining the slim profile of the device.
2Length of moving object
If the insulating layer thickness is reduced to achieve a slim profile, then device thickness is improved, but structural integrity and crack resistance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By using a composite structure of thin inorganic and organic layers, the patent achieves adequate crack resistance with reduced overall thickness. The alternating layer structure provides mechanical reinforcement distributed throughout the thin insulating layer, preventing catastrophic failure while maintaining a slim profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating layer is segmented into multiple thin alternating layers of inorganic and organic materials rather than using a single thick layer. This segmentation distributes mechanical stress across multiple interfaces, enhancing crack resistance while keeping the total thickness minimal. Each thin layer can independently accommodate deformation without propagating cracks to adjacent layers.
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 enhances the durability of touch sensing units by preventing crack propagation and allowing for a slim profile, even when subjected to bending, thereby improving their structural integrity and usability in flexible display devices.
Implementation Method 1
a first self-assembled monolayer, and a second inorganic insulating layer disposed on the first self-assembled monolayer
Data Source
AI summary
A touch sensing unit including an insulating layer and a conductive pattern. The insulating layer includes a first inorganic insulating layer and a first self-assembled monolayer (SAM). The first self-assembled monolayer is disposed on the first inorganic insulating layer.