Touch Sensor Transparent Electrode Metal Resin Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic apparatuses face challenges in accurately detecting the position and magnitude of touch events with existing touch and pressure sensing technologies, which often compromise on sensitivity and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
The electronic apparatus incorporates a sensing unit with a touch sensor unit and a pressure sensor unit, each comprising transparent electrode layers, metal layers, and resin layers, arranged in a specific structure to enhance sensitivity and flexibility, allowing for precise detection of touch events through electrostatic capacitive coupling and strain gauge mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing touch and pressure sensing technologies are used, then the electronic apparatus can detect touch events, but the sensitivity and flexibility are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing unit is divided into separate touch sensor unit and pressure sensor unit, each with dedicated sensing patterns (first and second sensing patterns). This segmentation allows each unit to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall detection accuracy while maintaining sensitivity and flexibility through specialized sensor designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing patterns incorporate multiple material layers including transparent electrode layers (ITO), metal layers (copper), and resin layers (epoxy resin). This composite structure combines the advantages of each material: ITO provides transparency and conductivity, copper enhances electrical properties, and epoxy resin provides mechanical flexibility and protection, thereby improving both detection accuracy and sensor reliability.
2Illumination intensity
If transparent electrode layers and metal layers are used in sensing patterns, then optical transparency is maintained, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the sensing pattern have different material compositions optimized for their specific functions. The transparent electrode layers provide transparency in areas requiring light transmission, while metal layers provide enhanced conductivity in specific regions. This localized material optimization maintains overall optical transparency while managing structural complexity through functional zoning.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing patterns are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: the transparent electrode layers and metal layers work together to provide both optical transparency and electrical conductivity. The resin layers provide both mechanical support and environmental protection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing structural complexity while maintaining transparency.
3Illumination intensity
If the metal layer thickness is reduced to 5-9 nm, then optical transparency is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The metal layer thickness is precisely controlled within the range of 5-9 nm to optimize the balance between optical transparency and electrical conductivity. This parameter optimization ensures that the metal layer is thin enough to maintain transparency while being thick enough to provide adequate conductivity, addressing both requirements through precise parameter control.
Solution Approach 2:
The combination of transparent electrode layers (ITO) and thin metal layers (copper) creates a composite structure where each material compensates for the limitations of the other. The ITO layer provides baseline transparency and conductivity, while the thin copper layer enhances conductivity without significantly compromising transparency. This composite approach manages manufacturing precision requirements by distributing functional requirements across multiple materials.
4Reliability
If the resin layer thickness is increased to approximately 70 nm, then durability and flexibility are improved, but the overall sensing pattern thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resin layer (epoxy resin) with thickness of approximately 70 nm acts as a flexible protective film that enhances the durability and flexibility of the sensing pattern. This thin film structure provides mechanical protection and flexibility while maintaining a compact overall thickness, allowing the sensor to conform to flexible substrates without excessive bulk.
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 improves the sensitivity and flexibility of touch and pressure sensing, enabling accurate detection of touch positions and magnitudes while maintaining optical transparency and durability, suitable for various electronic devices including flexible and wearable applications.
Implementation Method 1
allowing for precise detection of touch events through electrostatic capacitive coupling
Implementation Method 2
enabling accurate detection of touch positions and magnitudes while maintaining optical transparency and durability
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic apparatus may include a base layer and a sensing unit disposed on the base layer to sense a touch event. The sensing unit may include touch sensor unit configured to sense a position of the touch event and pressure sensor unit configured to sense a magnitude of the touch event. The touch sensor unit may include a touch sensing pattern including a first transparent electrode layer, a first metal layer, and a first resin layer. The pressure sensor unit may include a pressure sensing pattern including a second transparent electrode layer, a second metal layer, and a second resin layer.