Touch Window Reinforcement Layer for Electrode Integrity

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing touch windows experience disconnection and cracking of sensing electrodes due to height differences between button and non-button areas, leading to degraded quality and functionality of the instruction icon pattern part.

Innovation Solution

A reinforcement material or layer is applied to fill the height difference between the first and second print layers in the touch window, ensuring the sensing electrode remains connected and preventing cracks, thereby improving the planarity and quality of the instruction icon pattern part.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the instruction icon pattern part is formed with a button structure, then the functional area is defined, but a height difference area is formed causing sensing electrode disconnection and crack

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional area definitionVSAvoidsensing electrode connection

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A reinforcement layer is introduced as an intermediary component between the button structure and the sensing electrode. This reinforcement layer fills the height difference area and provides mechanical support to prevent electrode disconnection and crack, while allowing the button structure to maintain its functional area definition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Shape

If the button part is formed with height difference, then the instruction icon pattern part is defined, but the sensing electrode is subject to disconnection and fine crack due to thickness difference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebutton structure definitionVSAvoidsensing electrode integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforcement layer is applied beforehand to cushion and compensate for the height difference created by the button structure. This preventive measure ensures that the sensing electrode is protected from disconnection and crack before they can occur, maintaining manufacturing precision while preserving the button structure's shape.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Ease of manufacture

If the instruction icon pattern part is formed without reinforcement, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the electrode may disconnect or crack under pressure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing process simplicityVSAvoidelectrode strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforcement layer is applied locally only to the height difference area where the button structure exists, rather than the entire surface. This localized approach provides the necessary electrode strength and prevents disconnection or crack while minimizing the impact on the overall manufacturing process complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS9839115B2Touch window and manufacturing method thereof

Publication Date: 2017.12.05 LG INNOTEK CO LTD

AI summary

Disclosed is a touch window. The touch window includes a cover window; a first print layer disposed on the cover window to form an instruction icon pattern part; a second print layer in the instruction icon pattern part; and a reinforcement material on the second print layer.