Touch Sensor Insulating Layer with Openings for Static Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Display device touch sensors are prone to damage from static electricity during manufacturing and use, leading to defects such as short circuits due to the accumulation of static electricity between sensing electrodes.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an insulating layer with openings and a recess in the connector between sensing electrodes to prevent static electricity accumulation and discharge, and using conductive patterns that are short in length to reduce resistance and visibility, while also employing a conductive pattern structure including molybdenum (Mo) for improved connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensing electrodes are arranged closely to improve touch sensitivity, then touch sensitivity is improved, but static electricity accumulation increases causing short circuit defects
Solution Approach 1:
A ground electrode is introduced as an intermediary element between the first and second sensing electrodes. This ground electrode serves as a mediator to discharge static electricity that accumulates between the sensing electrodes, preventing short circuit defects while maintaining close spacing for touch sensitivity
Solution Approach 2:
The ground electrode converts the harmful static electricity accumulation into a beneficial discharge path. By providing a designated path to ground, the static electricity that would otherwise cause damage is safely dissipated, turning a potential harm into a protective mechanism
2Reliability
If conductive patterns are made longer to improve connectivity between sensing electrodes, then connectivity is improved, but resistance increases and visibility to users increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive pattern is designed with varying local properties: in regions where connectivity is critical, the pattern is made wider or uses lower resistance materials, while in regions where visibility is a concern, the pattern is made narrower. This local optimization allows different parts of the same conductive pattern to serve different functions
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 minimizes the risk of short circuits and other defects caused by static electricity, enhancing the reliability and durability of touch sensors in display devices by ensuring static electricity is discharged and not accumulated to harmful levels.
Implementation Method 1
an insulating layer with one or more openings exposing sensing electrodes such that static electricity may not accumulate between the sensing electrodes but may be discharged
Implementation Method 2
a conductor disposed on the first insulating layer and connected to the second sensing electrodes through the first insulating layer
Data Source
AI summary
A touch sensor for a display device includes: a base layer; a plurality of first sensing electrodes and a plurality of second sensing electrodes spaced apart from each other on the base layer; a first connector electrically connecting the first sensing electrodes adjacent to each other; a first insulating layer disposed on the first sensing electrodes and the second sensing electrodes; a conductor disposed on the first insulating layer and connected to the second sensing electrodes through the first insulating layer; and a second insulating layer disposed on the first insulating layer to cover the conductor. The first insulating layer includes a first opening exposing at least one of a portion of a first separation area between the first connector and the second sensing electrodes, a portion of the first connector, and a portion of the second sensing electrodes, and the first opening is spaced apart from the conductor.