Touch Sensor Wiring Layout With Oxide Layer for Fracture Prevention

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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

A display device configuration that includes a substrate with a display region, a first wiring, an insulating layer, an oxide conductive layer electrically connected to the first wiring, a sealing layer that overlaps the display region and the oxide conductive layer, and a second wiring that passes over the sealing layer to electrically connect the sensor electrode and the oxide conductive layer, reducing the risk of terminal damage during etching and enhancing reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a wiring extends from sensor electrode to terminal across substrate topography, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but the wiring is susceptible to fracture

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connectivityVSAvoidwiring fracture resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The wiring path is segmented into multiple sections: a first wiring on the substrate, an oxide conductive layer as an intermediate connection, and a second wiring over the sealing layer. This segmentation allows each segment to be optimized for its specific function and reduces stress concentration that would lead to fracture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The oxide conductive layer serves as an intermediary element between the first wiring and the sensor electrode. It provides a transition zone that accommodates substrate topography variations and reduces mechanical stress on the wiring, preventing fracture while maintaining electrical connectivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional etching processes are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but terminal damage occurs due to over-etching

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveetching process simplicityVSAvoidterminal integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The oxide conductive layer is formed beforehand as a protective cushion between the etching process and the terminal. This layer absorbs the impact of over-etching, preventing direct damage to the terminal while allowing the use of conventional etching processes without modification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If the wiring passes over the sealing layer, then terminal protection is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveterminal protectionVSAvoidwiring structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The oxide conductive layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical connection, protects against over-etching, and acts as an adhesive layer. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional protective structures, thereby limiting the increase in manufacturing complexity despite the wiring passing over the sealing layer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The proposed configuration effectively suppresses terminal damage during manufacturing processes, such as over-etching, and maintains reliable electrical connectivity between the sensor electrode and terminal, thereby improving the yield and reliability of the display device.

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 containment: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentUS12127462B2Display device including electrically connected sensor electrode and oxide conductive layer

Publication Date: 2024.10.22 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.