Transparent Electrode Layer for Flexible Display Touch Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible-type electronic devices face issues with touch performance degradation due to cover structures, increased component costs, and consumption current when using cover structures to protect the display, especially in varying mechanical states.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a transparent window with a transparent electrode layer and a touch control method that activates and deactivates electrodes based on the flexible display's position, allowing seamless touch functionality regardless of the mechanical state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cover structure is added to protect the display, then protection and usability are improved, but touch performance deteriorates due to air gap and thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies transparency changes (optical property modification) to the cover structure by using a transparent electrode layer that maintains visual clarity while enabling touch functionality. The transparent electrode layer allows light to pass through while providing capacitive touch sensing capability, effectively resolving the trade-off between protection and touch performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure combining the cover structure with a transparent electrode layer. This composite material approach integrates protective function with touch sensing function in a single integrated layer, eliminating the need for separate touch structures and maintaining both protection and touch performance.
2Manufacturing precision
If a separate touch structure or sub display structure is added, then touch function is improved, but component cost and consumption current increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cover structure with the touch sensing function by integrating a transparent electrode layer into the cover structure. This combination eliminates the need for separate touch sensor components, thereby reducing device complexity and component quantity while maintaining effective touch functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent electrode layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural protection as part of the cover, enables capacitive touch sensing, and maintains optical transparency. This multi-functionality approach eliminates the need for dedicated separate components for each function.
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
Improves usability and touch functionality by maintaining effective touch performance without additional components or increased power consumption, even when the flexible display is extended or contracted.
Implementation Method 1
At least one first touch electrode is disposed in the transparent electrode layer
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
Disclosed is an electronic device and a touch control method therefor. The electronic device may comprise: a housing; a flexible display that is drawn into or out of the housing by a sliding operation; a transparent window disposed in the housing so that a partial region of the flexible display drawn into the housing passes therethrough; and a transparent electrode layer disposed between the transparent window and the flexible display. At least one first touch electrode may be disposed in the transparent electrode layer. The at least one first touch electrode disposed in the transparent electrode layer may be activated. At least one second touch electrode arranged in the partial region of the flexible display may be deactivated. Various other embodiments are also possible.