Touch Window Electrodes Using Segmented Metallic Oxide and Graphene Materials

Solution Overview

Problem

Capacitive touch panels face challenges in achieving both high visibility and flexibility, particularly when bent or curved, due to differences in materials used for sensing electrodes which affect visibility and durability.

Innovation Solution

A touch window design incorporating first and second sensing electrodes made of different materials, with the first electrode using metallic oxides for visibility and the second using nano-wires or graphene for flexibility, and strategically arranged to minimize material differences and enhance adhesion, along with a boundary structure to reduce heterogeneity and improve reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If metallic oxides are used for sensing electrodes, then visibility is improved, but flexibility and bending properties deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovevisibilityVSAvoidflexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The touch window is divided into multiple regions with different electrode materials: a first region with metallic oxide electrodes for high visibility areas, and a second region with nano-wire or graphene electrodes for flexibility requirements. This segmentation allows each region to optimize its material properties according to functional needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different materials are applied to different locations within the touch window based on local requirements. Metallic oxides are used where visibility is critical, while nano-wires or graphene are used where flexibility is needed, creating local optimization of material properties throughout the structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If different materials are used for sensing electrodes, then flexibility is improved, but material differences and heterogeneity worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidmaterial homogeneity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

An insulating layer is introduced as an intermediary between the different electrode materials (metallic oxide and nano-wire/graphene). This intermediary layer facilitates the transition between different materials, reduces direct interaction that could cause heterogeneity issues, and maintains overall structural stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The touch window employs a composite structure combining metallic oxide electrodes with nano-wire or graphene electrodes in specific regions. This composite approach allows the system to leverage the high visibility of metallic oxides and the flexibility of nano-wires/graphene while managing material differences through structured integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Adaptability or versatility

If nano-wires or graphene are used for sensing electrodes, then flexibility and bending properties are improved, but visibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebending propertiesVSAvoidvisibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The touch window is divided into multiple regions with different electrode materials: a first region with metallic oxide electrodes for high visibility areas, and a second region with nano-wire or graphene electrodes for flexibility requirements. This segmentation allows each region to optimize its material properties according to functional needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different materials are applied to different locations within the touch window based on local requirements. Metallic oxides are used where visibility is critical, while nano-wires or graphene are used where flexibility is needed, creating local optimization of material properties throughout the structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS9483132B2Touch window and display including the same

Publication Date: 2016.11.01 LG INNOTEK CO LTD

AI summary

A touch window includes a substrate in which first and second active areas are defined. A first sensing electrode is provided on the first active area to sense a position, and a second sensing electrode is provided in the second active area to sense a position. The first sensing electrode includes a material different from a material constituting the second sensing electrode.