Touch Sensor Panel Shielding via Integrated Polarizer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Capacitive touch sensor panels face interference from external noise sources, leading to reduced accuracy and increased complexity and cost due to the need for multiple substrate layers for shielding, which also contribute to the thickness of the panels.
Innovation Solution
The use of a polarizer integrated within the display instead of a standalone substrate layer, combined with top and bottom shield electrode layers, reduces the thickness and cost of touch sensor panels while maintaining noise shielding capabilities, and the incorporation of nanowire or metal mesh materials for improved mechanical flexibility and conductivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple substrate layers are used for shielding, then noise shielding capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the shielding function with the display substrate by integrating a conductive shielding layer into the display pixel stackup structure. This merging approach allows the display substrate to serve dual purposes: displaying images and providing electromagnetic shielding, thereby reducing the need for separate substrate layers and simplifying fabrication while maintaining noise shielding capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The display substrate is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - it acts as both the display medium and the shielding structure. The conductive shielding layer integrated into the display pixel stackup enables the substrate to provide electromagnetic shielding against noise from above and below, while still maintaining its primary display function, thus reducing overall device complexity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple substrate layers are used for shielding, then noise shielding capability is improved, but panel thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the shielding function into the display substrate structure, the patent eliminates the need for additional separate substrate layers. The conductive shielding layer is integrated within the display pixel stackup, allowing the same structural space to serve both display and shielding purposes, thereby reducing overall panel thickness while maintaining effective noise shielding.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of adding thickness by stacking more substrate layers, the patent addresses shielding by utilizing the vertical dimension within the existing display pixel stackup. The conductive shielding layer is positioned at specific heights within the stackup structure, providing shielding capability without increasing the overall panel thickness, as the shielding function is embedded within the existing vertical structure.
3Reliability
If traditional conductive materials are used, then conductivity is achieved, but mechanical flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite conductive materials such as nanowire networks and metal meshes that combine the advantages of different material types. These composite structures provide the necessary electrical conductivity while maintaining mechanical flexibility and stretchability, resolving the contradiction between conductivity and mechanical flexibility by integrating multiple material properties into a single functional layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes thin film conductive structures including nanowire networks and metal meshes that can be deposited as flexible layers within the display pixel stackup. These thin film materials maintain electrical conductivity while being mechanically flexible and adaptable, allowing the shielding layer to bend and deform without compromising electrical performance or structural integrity.
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
This configuration enhances the sensitivity and robustness of touch sensor panels by reducing noise interference and panel thickness, while simplifying the fabrication process and reducing material costs, allowing for larger panel sizes and more versatile applications.
Implementation Method 1
touch sensor panel with top and/or bottom shielding... shield electrode layers... shielding from noise from above and/or below the touch sensor panel
Implementation Method 2
use of a polarizer integrated within the display instead of a standalone substrate layer... reducing the thickness and cost of touch sensor panels while maintaining noise shielding capabilities
Implementation Method 3
incorporation of nanowire or metal mesh materials for improved mechanical flexibility and conductivity
Data Source
AI summary
A touch sensor panel is disclosed. The touch sensor panel can include a first substrate layer; a first electrode layer comprising one or more of a touch electrode and a trace configured to couple the touch electrode to sense circuitry, the first electrode layer located on a first side of the first substrate layer; a second electrode layer located on the first side of the first substrate layer; a passivation layer disposed in between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer; and a third electrode layer located on a second side of the first substrate layer, different from the first side of the first substrate layer. The first electrode layer can be comprised of a first conductive material, the second electrode layer can be comprised of a second conductive material, and the third electrode layer can be comprised of a third conductive material. The touch sensor panel may not include a second substrate layer between the first substrate layer and the second electrode layer.