Touch Sensor Auxiliary Conductive Layer Sheet Resistance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current touch sensors face challenges in achieving low sheet resistance for touch sensing electrodes and signal wires without compromising optical properties, particularly for large-sized touch panels, leading to increased stockpile costs and manufacturing complexity due to the inverse relationship between conductivity and optical properties of indium tin oxide (ITO) films.
Innovation Solution
A touch sensor design incorporating auxiliary conductive units on transparent electrodes, where opaque conductive films with lower sheet resistance are strategically layered with transparent conductive films to reduce sheet resistance without impairing optical properties, utilizing a substrate with dielectric and high transmittance materials and specific conductive trail patterns to minimize shading and maintain visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the conductivity of ITO conductive film is increased (sheet resistance is reduced), then the sheet resistance decreases, but the optical properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining transparent conductive film (ITO) with opaque conductive film in a multi-layer structure. The transparent layer maintains optical properties while the opaque layer provides low sheet resistance, resolving the contradiction between conductivity and optical transparency through material composition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-layer transparent conductive film to a multi-layer structure with both transparent and opaque conductive layers stacked in different dimensions. This dimensional change allows simultaneous achievement of low sheet resistance and good optical properties by distributing functions across layers.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different ITO conductive films with different conditions are used for touch panels of various sizes, then the requirements are satisfied, but the stockpile cost substantially rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal conductive structure using opaque conductive film that can be applied across different touch panel sizes. This multi-functional design allows the same base structure to serve various product sizes, eliminating the need for multiple specialized ITO films and reducing inventory costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from varying material composition (different ITO films) to varying structural parameters (auxiliary conductive patterns) to adapt to different sizes. This allows using the same base material while achieving size-specific performance through structural modification.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different ITO conductive films with different conditions are used for touch panels of various sizes, then the requirements are satisfied, but the manufacturing complication occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the conductive function into two separate layers: transparent conductive film for optical properties and opaque conductive film for low sheet resistance. This segmentation allows independent optimization and simplifies manufacturing by decoupling the requirements for different functionalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The opaque conductive film acts as an intermediary layer that mediates between the transparent conductive film and the underlying structures. This intermediary provides the low sheet resistance needed for large panels without requiring changes to the transparent film's optical properties, simplifying the manufacturing process.
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 effectively reduces sheet resistance of touch sensing electrodes and signal wires while maintaining optimal optical properties, addressing the limitations of existing technologies and enabling efficient production of touch panels across various sizes without increasing stockpile costs or manufacturing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a first auxiliary conductive layer, being an opaque conductive film, electrically attached on the first touch conductive layer, having a lower sheet resistance than the first touch conductive layer
Data Source
AI summary
A touch sensor includes a substrate, a first touch conductive layer (TCL), a first auxiliary conductive layer (ACL), a second touch conductive layer, and a second auxiliary conductive layer. The first TCL has a first touch conductive trail pattern (TCTP). The first ACL has a lower sheet resistance than the first TCL and a first auxiliary conductive trail pattern (ACTP). The second TCL has a second TCTP. The second ACL has a lower sheet resistance than the second touch conductive layer and a second ACTP. The first and second TCTPs and the first and second ACTPs jointly constitute a touch sensor.