Touch Sensor Wiring Layout Across Sealed Oxide Conductive Layers

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Solution Overview

Problem

In display devices with flexible printed boards, the wiring extending from touch sensor electrodes to terminals is susceptible to fracture due to substrate topography, posing a challenge in maintaining electrical connectivity without damaging the terminal on the substrate.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an oxide conductive layer and a sealing layer that overlaps the display region and the end of the oxide conductive layer, along with a second wiring that passes over the sealing layer to electrically connect the sensor electrode and the oxide conductive layer, enhances the durability and reliability of the terminal connection by reducing the risk of damage during etching and bending.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the wiring is extended from sensor electrodes to terminals across the substrate, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but the wiring becomes susceptible to fracture due to substrate topography

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connectivityVSAvoidwiring durability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary wiring structure that routes connections through a region with relatively flat topography rather than directly across the entire substrate. This intermediary path includes: (1) sensor electrodes in the display region, (2) a wiring layer that extends to a peripheral region with flatter topography, (3) terminal electrodes in the peripheral region, and (4) connection wirings that link terminals to the flexible printed board. By using this intermediary routing strategy, the wiring avoids the most problematic topographic variations, reducing fracture risk while maintaining electrical connectivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the terminal is positioned on the substrate to receive wiring connections, then electrical connection is established, but the terminal is at risk of damage during etching and bending processes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidterminal damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary protective actions to the terminal and wiring structures before they are subjected to harmful manufacturing processes. Specifically: (1) A protective film is formed over the terminal electrode and connection wiring before etching processes, preventing etchant damage. (2) The wiring is routed through regions with flatter topography in advance, reducing mechanical stress during subsequent bending operations. (3) The terminal is positioned in the peripheral region where topography is more favorable, preemptively reducing exposure to harmful mechanical stresses during device assembly and usage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If the wiring passes through regions with substrate topography variations, then connection is achieved, but the wiring is more prone to fracture and manufacturing defects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection establishmentVSAvoidwiring integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the principle of local quality by differentiating the wiring routing strategy based on local substrate characteristics. The wiring path is divided into two distinct regions: (1) The display region where sensor electrodes are formed, and (2) The peripheral region with relatively flat topography where terminal electrodes and connection wirings are positioned. By concentrating the vulnerable wiring segments in the flatter peripheral region and keeping the display region intact, the patent improves wiring integrity during manufacturing while still achieving the necessary electrical connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 suppresses terminal damage during manufacturing and usage, improving the yield and reliability of the display device by providing a robust electrical connection that is less prone to fracture and over-etching issues.

Implementation Method 1

an oxide conductive layer provided on the first wiring and electrically connected to the first wiring

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

a sealing layer overlapping the display region and at least an end of the oxide conductive layer and sealing the plurality of pixels

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical barrier protection: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentUS20250008808A1Display device including electrically connected sensor electrode and conductive layer

Publication Date: 2025.01.02 MAGNOLIA WHITE CORP

AI summary

The display device includes a substrate, a display region arranged on the substrate and including a plurality of pixels, a first wiring provided on the substrate, an insulating layer overlapping a portion of the first wiring, an oxide conductive layer provided on the first wiring and electrically connected to the first wiring, a sealing layer overlapping the display region and at least an end of the oxide conductive layer and sealing the plurality of pixels, a sensor electrode provided on the sealing layer and overlapping the display region, and a second wiring passing over the at least end of the oxide conductive layer provided with the sealing layer and electrically connecting the sensor electrode and the oxide conductive layer.