Touch Sensor Trace Layout for Narrow-Bezel Display Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display devices face challenges in reducing the bezel size due to the inevitable placement of various components, limiting the ability to achieve a narrow bezel design while maintaining high touch sensitivity and minimizing noise between sensor electrodes.
Innovation Solution
A display panel design with a touch sensor structure that includes specific arrangements of sensor electrodes and trace lines, allowing for a narrow bezel by routing trace lines across the display area without bypassing the non-display area, and using inclined surfaces to minimize overlap with metal, thereby reducing noise and enhancing touch sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If trace lines are routed through the non-display area to connect sensor electrodes and pads, then the bezel size can be reduced, but noise between sensor electrodes increases due to closer proximity of trace lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent routes trace lines through the display area instead of the non-display area, utilizing the vertical dimension and overlapping regions to achieve connection. This dimensional repositioning allows trace lines to pass through regions where they can be properly spaced and shielded, eliminating noise issues while maintaining narrow bezel design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a meandering portion in the trace line configuration that acts as an intermediary structure. This meandering design increases the physical distance between trace lines in the non-display area, reducing electromagnetic interference and noise while still enabling connections through the display area routing.
2Weight of stationary object
If the bezel size is reduced by routing trace lines across the display area, then material usage and weight are minimized, but touch sensitivity may be compromised due to potential interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different trace line configurations in different regions: in the display area, trace lines are routed to minimize overlap with sensor electrodes, while in the non-display area, meandering portions are used to increase spacing. This localized optimization maintains touch sensitivity in the display area while reducing noise in the non-display area.
Solution Approach 2:
The meandering portion of the trace line uses curved, serpentine routing instead of straight lines. This curved configuration increases the distance between adjacent trace lines in the non-display area, reducing electromagnetic interference while maintaining compact overall design and narrow bezel.
3Area of stationary object
If trace lines are placed closer together to reduce bezel size, then the device becomes more compact, but noise between sensor electrodes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the display area as an alternative routing dimension, allowing trace lines to connect sensor electrodes to pads without being constrained to the non-display area. This enables the non-display area to be minimized while trace lines pass through the display area where proper spacing and shielding can be maintained.
Solution Approach 2:
The trace line configuration is designed in advance with meandering portions that pre-establish adequate spacing between lines in the non-display area. This preliminary design ensures that even when the non-display area is minimized, the trace lines maintain sufficient separation to prevent noise interference.
Data Source
AI summary
A display device and a display panel may comprise a substrate comprising a display area including a plurality of subpixels and a non-display area including a pad area spaced apart from the display area in a first direction, a first sensor electrode in the display area and extending in a second direction crossing the first direction, a second sensor electrode in the display area and extending in the second direction, a first pad in the pad area, a second pad in the pad area, a first trace line electrically connecting the first sensor electrode and the first pad and a second trace line electrically connecting the second sensor electrode and the second pad. The second sensor electrode may be positioned closer to the pad area than the first sensor electrode. The first trace line overlaps the second sensor electrode, and the second trace line may include a first meandering portion.