Integrated Touch Sensor Layout for Thin LCD Display Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display modules with integrated touch sensors face issues such as inaccurate input due to the diagonal viewing angle, increased thickness and weight, and higher fabrication costs. Additionally, the current design does not allow for a novel structure or improved reliability of the touch sensor.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a display device structure that includes a first and second substrate with liquid crystal in between, featuring a sensor unit and a pixel. The sensor unit comprises a first transistor, conductive films, and a pixel electrode, where at least part of the conductive films overlap, allowing for the integration of a touch sensor with the display panel while reducing thickness and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a touch sensor is provided over a display panel with an adhesive layer interposed therebetween, then the touch sensor can be integrated with the display panel, but the display surface deviates from the sensing positions when viewed diagonally, resulting in inaccurate input
Solution Approach 1:
The touch sensor and display panel are merged into a single integrated structure where the touch sensor is formed directly on the display panel substrate. The sensor electrode and display electrode are combined in the same layer, eliminating the need for separate assembly with adhesive layers, thereby resolving the misalignment issue while maintaining ease of manufacture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a three-dimensional stacked structure (touch sensor + adhesive + display panel) to a two-dimensional integrated structure where both sensor and display functions coexist in the same plane. This dimensional change eliminates the offset caused by the adhesive layer thickness, ensuring accurate touch input across all viewing angles
2Productivity
If a touch sensor overlaps with a display panel, then the display module can be fabricated, but the thickness and weight of the display module increase
Solution Approach 1:
The touch sensor and display panel are combined into a single integrated device where both functions share the same substrate and layer structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate touch sensor and display panel assemblies, thereby reducing the overall thickness while maintaining full fabrication capability
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated structure performs multiple functions (display and touch sensing) within a single device architecture. The same electrode layers serve both as display electrodes and touch sensor electrodes, eliminating redundant components and reducing the overall thickness of the display module
3Adaptability or versatility
If a touch sensor and display panel are fabricated separately and then combined, then each component can be optimized independently, but the fabricating cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The touch sensor and display panel are fabricated together in a single manufacturing process on the same substrate. This merging allows both functions to be optimized simultaneously during the fabrication process, eliminating the need for separate production lines and reducing overall manufacturing costs
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated structure enables a single fabrication process to produce both display and touch sensor functions. The same manufacturing steps create both the display electrode and sensor electrode, achieving component optimization while reducing fabrication costs through process consolidation
Data Source
AI summary
An increase in fabricating cost of a display module including a touch sensor is suppressed. A display device which includes a first substrate, a second substrate, and liquid crystal interposed between the first substrate and the second substrate includes a display portion. The display portion includes a sensor unit and a pixel. The sensor unit includes a first transistor, a first conductive film electrically connected to a gate of the first transistor, and a second conductive film. At least part of the first conductive film overlaps with at least part of the second conductive film. The pixel includes a second transistor, and a pixel electrode electrically connected to the second transistor. At least part of the pixel electrode overlaps with at least part of the first conductive film.