Woven Multi-Layer Touch Sensor for Flexible Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touch sensors for display devices face challenges in providing a cost-effective and flexible solution for detecting touch positions and pressure sensitivity, with complex manufacturing processes and limited scalability.
Innovation Solution
A touch sensor structure comprising multiple layers of woven insulators and conductive wirings, with each layer having a specific arrangement and material composition, allowing for capacitive and pressure-sensitive detection without the need for complex semiconductor processes, enabling flexible installation on large-size display panels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a touch sensor uses a complex semiconductor manufacturing process to achieve high measurement precision, then the manufacturing cost and process complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The touch sensor is divided into multiple independent layers (first layer with first wirings, second layer with second wirings, third layer with third wirings) that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. Each layer contains specific wiring patterns and insulators that are formed independently, allowing simplified manufacturing processes for each layer while achieving high overall measurement precision through the combined multi-layer structure
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a planar two-dimensional wiring arrangement to a three-dimensional multi-layer stacked structure. By arranging wirings in multiple layers (first layer, second layer, third layer) with different spatial orientations, the sensor achieves higher measurement precision and pressure sensitivity without requiring complex in-plane wiring patterns, effectively adding a vertical dimension to the sensor architecture
2Stability of the object's composition
If a touch sensor is made rigid to ensure structural stability, then the flexibility and adaptability to large-size display panels decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The touch sensor employs thin film structures for insulators and wiring layers that inherently provide flexibility. The insulators are formed as thin films between wiring layers, and the entire sensor structure can be bent or conformally mounted on large-size display panels while maintaining structural stability through the layered architecture and appropriate material selection
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor uses composite material structures combining conductive materials for wirings with insulating materials for dielectric layers and insulators. This composite approach allows the structure to maintain electrical functionality while achieving mechanical flexibility, as the insulating materials provide structural support without excessive rigidity, enabling adaptation to large-size display panels
3Ease of manufacture
If the touch sensor structure is simplified to reduce manufacturing cost, then the pressure sensitivity and detection functionality are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensing functionality is segmented across multiple layers, with each layer contributing to the overall pressure sensitivity. The first layer, second layer, and third layer each contain wirings and insulators that work together to detect pressure variations. This segmentation allows the use of simpler, lower-cost materials and processes for each individual layer while maintaining high overall pressure sensitivity through the cumulative effect of the multi-layer structure
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-layer wiring structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: the wirings in different layers function as both signal transmission conduits and pressure sensing elements. The insulators serve as both electrical insulation and mechanical spacers that transmit pressure forces. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated pressure sensing components, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining pressure sensitivity
4Volume of moving object
If the display device thickness is reduced to achieve thinner profiles, then the structural support and protection for internal components are weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The touch sensor utilizes thin film structures for its insulator and wiring layers, achieving reduced overall thickness while maintaining structural integrity. The thin insulator films between wiring layers provide sufficient mechanical support and electrical insulation without adding excessive thickness, allowing the display device to achieve thinner profiles while the layered sensor structure itself provides structural reinforcement
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor employs composite material structures where insulating materials and conductive materials are combined in a layered architecture. These composite layers provide both mechanical strength and electrical functionality in a thin profile. The insulating materials in particular contribute to structural support while the overall layered composite structure maintains protection for internal components without requiring excessive thickness
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 solution provides a cost-effective, flexible, and scalable touch sensor capable of accurately detecting touch positions and pressure sensitivity, reducing the weight and thickness of display devices while maintaining high functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a first plurality of wirings and a second plurality of wirings which are intersecting with each other, are woven with one another
Implementation Method 2
The second layer includes an insulating material
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a touch sensor including a first layer, a second layer over the first layer, and a third layer over the second layer. The first layer has a plurality of first insulators arranged in a stripe form and extending in a first direction, and a plurality of first wirings arranged in a stripe form and extending in a second direction intersecting with the first direction. The second layer includes an insulating material. The third layer has a plurality of second insulators arranged in a stripe form and extending in the second direction, and a plurality of second wirings arranged in a stripe form and extending in the first direction. The plurality of first insulators and the plurality of the first wirings are woven with each other, and the plurality of second insulators and the plurality of the second wirings are woven with each other.