Touch Sensor Electrode Layout for Static Charge Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touch sensing units in display devices are vulnerable to damage from static electricity, which can affect their functionality and reliability, particularly in environments with varying conditions.
Innovation Solution
The integration of electrostatic induction electrodes that overlap second touch electrodes in connection areas within the touch sensing unit, allowing for efficient static charge dissipation and distribution, enhancing durability and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional touch sensing units are used without additional protective structures, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability is poor due to vulnerability from static electricity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces electrostatic induction electrodes as intermediary elements positioned between the first touch electrodes and second touch electrodes. These induction electrodes act as mediators that redistribute static charge through electrostatic induction, preventing direct accumulation of harmful charges on the touch sensing unit while maintaining the existing electrode structure and connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by pre-positioning electrostatic induction electrodes that actively counteract static electricity before it can cause damage. The induction electrodes are configured to generate opposing electric fields that prevent static charge accumulation on the touch sensing unit, thereby proactively protecting against environmental static electricity hazards.
2Reliability
If electrostatic induction electrodes are added to protect against static electricity, then the reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the protective function with the existing touch sensing unit structure by integrating electrostatic induction electrodes into the same substrate and interlayer architecture. The induction electrodes share the same manufacturing process and spatial constraints as the touch electrodes, combining protection and sensing functions within a unified structure rather than adding separate protective systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrostatic induction electrodes serve multiple functions: they provide electrostatic protection against environmental damage, maintain the capacitive coupling between touch electrodes, and participate in the touch sensing operation itself. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated protective components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Reliability
If the electrostatic induction electrode overlaps the second touch electrode in the connection area, then static charge dissipation is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning electrostatic induction electrodes specifically in the connection areas where second touch electrodes are located, rather than uniformly across the entire substrate. This localized placement optimizes static charge dissipation at critical points where charge accumulation is most likely to occur, while reducing the overall manufacturing complexity compared to full-coverage solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by placing electrostatic induction electrodes only in the connection areas where they are most needed for charge dissipation, rather than covering all touch electrode regions. This selective approach provides sufficient protection at critical locations while minimizing the precision requirements and manufacturing complexity that would arise from requiring precise alignment across the entire electrode array.
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 effectively channels and dissipates static charges, preventing electrical damage and improving the reliability and durability of touch sensing units under diverse environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an electrostatic induction electrode connected to the first touch electrode and overlapping the second touch electrode, wherein at least a part of the electrostatic induction electrode overlaps the second touch electrode in the connection area
Data Source
AI summary
A touch sensing unit includes: a substrate; a plurality of first touch electrodes disposed in a touch sensor area of the substrate; a plurality of touch island electrodes disposed between neighboring first touch electrodes; a plurality of connection electrodes connecting the neighboring first touch electrodes to the plurality of touch island electrodes; a plurality of second touch electrodes connected to each other in a connection area that is defined by the neighboring first touch electrodes, the plurality of touch island electrodes and the plurality of connection electrodes, wherein plurality of second touch electrodes are disposed in a touch sensor area of the substrate; and an electrostatic induction electrode connected to the first touch electrode and overlapping the second touch electrode, wherein at least a part of the electrostatic induction electrode overlaps the second touch electrode in the connection area.