Two-Layer Touch Sensor Stack With Sinusoidal Metal Mesh
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional touch sensors, particularly capacitive touch screens, face issues with visibility and display quality due to the presence of opaque metal electrodes, which can cause diffraction effects and obscure the image displayed, especially under bright ambient light conditions.
Innovation Solution
The use of sinusoidally shaped conductive lines in the electrode patterns for touch position-sensing panels, which reduces diffraction effects and minimizes the visibility of reflections, thereby maintaining transparency and display quality by distributing reflections and reducing the perceived visibility of repetitive reflection patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If opaque metal electrodes are used in capacitive touch screens, then electrical conductivity is improved, but visibility and display quality deteriorate due to diffraction effects and obscuration of the displayed image
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by replacing straight conductive lines with sinusoidally shaped conductive lines in the electrode pattern. This curvature transforms the linear geometry into a wave-like pattern that reduces diffraction effects and minimizes visible reflections, thereby improving display visibility while maintaining electrical conductivity functionality
2Ease of manufacture
If straight conductive lines are used in electrode patterns, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but diffraction effects increase causing visible reflections and reduced transparency
Solution Approach 1:
The sinusoidal shaping of conductive lines introduces curvature that disrupts the regular geometric patterns responsible for diffraction. This curved geometry scatters reflected light more uniformly, reducing the intensity of visible reflections and improving overall panel transparency while remaining manufacturable through standard photolithography processes
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 sinusoidal shape of the conductive lines enhances the transparency of the touch position-sensing panel, reducing visible darkening and maintaining high optical transmissivity, allowing for clear and unobstructed display visibility even under bright conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The sinusoidal shape of the conductive lines reduces diffraction effects and minimizes the visibility of reflections
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, an method apparatus includes an optically clear adhesive (OCA) layer between a cover sheet and a substrate. The substrate has drive or sense electrodes of a touch sensor disposed on a first surface and a second surface of the substrate. The first surface is opposite the second surface and the drive or sense electrodes are made of a conductive mesh of conductive material including metal.