Touch Sensor Integrated Electrode Connectors Reduce Dead Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
The dead space in display devices with touch sensors is increased due to the arrangement of routing lines connecting sensing electrodes to the pad unit, which hinders the minimization of non-display areas.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a touch sensor design that includes connectors and signal lines on the non-sensing areas to electrically connect adjacent sensing electrodes, reducing the need for extensive routing lines and minimizing dead space by using connection patterns and insulating layers to facilitate efficient signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If routing lines are arranged to connect sensing electrodes to pad unit, then electrical connection is achieved, but dead space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the routing lines and connectors into integrated connection patterns that are formed simultaneously with the sensing electrodes. The connectors are integrated into the electrode structure itself, eliminating separate routing paths and reducing dead space while maintaining electrical connectivity between sensing electrodes and pad units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes multi-layer stacking to route connection signals through different vertical levels. By transitioning from two-dimensional planar routing to three-dimensional multi-layer routing, the connection paths can be arranged more efficiently without increasing the footprint area, thereby reducing dead space while maintaining electrical connections.
2Productivity
If connectors are added to connect adjacent sensing electrodes, then electrical connection efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connectors are merged with the sensing electrode structure itself, forming integrated connection patterns rather than separate components. This integration simplifies the overall device architecture by eliminating distinct connector elements while maintaining efficient electrical connections between adjacent sensing electrodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection patterns serve multiple functions simultaneously: they act as both sensing electrodes and as connectors to adjacent electrodes. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining signal transmission efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A touch sensor for a display device includes: a base including a sensing area and a non-sensing area; first sensing electrodes disposed on the sensing area, extending in a first direction, and arranged in a second direction different from the first direction; second sensing electrodes disposed on the sensing area, extending in the second direction, and arranged in the first direction; first signal lines disposed on a first peripheral area of the non-sensing area and being connected to first portions of the first sensing electrodes, respectively; and a first connector connected to second portions of the first sensing electrodes, wherein the first connector electrically connects adjacent ones of first sensing electrodes to each other.