18393367. ULTRA-THIN TOUCH SENSORS simplified abstract (Apple Inc.)
Contents
ULTRA-THIN TOUCH SENSORS
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
Jeffrey M. Weisse of Cupertino CA (US)
Chun-Hao Tung of San Jose CA (US)
Ji Hun Choi of Los Gatos CA (US)
Wenqing Dai of San Jose CA (US)
ULTRA-THIN TOUCH SENSORS - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18393367 titled 'ULTRA-THIN TOUCH SENSORS
Abstract: Touch screens with ultra-thin stack-ups can provide for a lower profile device, improve the optical image on the display, and reduce the weight of the device by removing the flex circuit connection from the stack-up and using a flexible substrate for routing touch electrodes. The touch sensor panel can be integrated with the polarizer, and the shield layer can be routed to touch sensing circuitry via the flexible substrate.
Key Features and Innovation:
- Ultra-thin stack-ups for touch screens
- Removal of flex circuit connection to reduce thickness
- Integration of touch sensor panel with polarizer
- Routing shield layer to touch sensing circuitry via flexible substrate
Potential Applications: This technology can be used in smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other electronic devices that require touch screens with improved optical performance and reduced thickness.
Problems Solved: This technology addresses the issues of bulky touch screen stack-ups, poor optical image quality, and heavy device weight.
Benefits:
- Lower profile devices
- Improved optical image on the display
- Reduced weight of the device
Commercial Applications: This technology can be applied in the consumer electronics industry for the development of thinner and lighter touch screen devices, enhancing user experience and portability.
Prior Art: There are existing patents related to thin stack-up touch screens, but the integration of the touch sensor panel with the polarizer and routing the shield layer via a flexible substrate may be novel aspects.
Frequently Updated Research: There may be ongoing research on further reducing the thickness of touch screen stack-ups and improving the integration of various components for enhanced performance.
Questions about Touch Screen Technology: 1. How does the integration of the touch sensor panel with the polarizer impact the overall performance of the touch screen? 2. What are the potential challenges in routing the shield layer to touch sensing circuitry via a flexible substrate?
Original Abstract Submitted
Touch screens with ultra-thin stack-ups can provide for a lower profile device, can improve the optical image on the display by reducing the display to cover glass distance, and can reduce the weight of the device. In some examples, the thickness of the touch screen stack-up can be reduced and/or the border region reduced, by removing the flex circuit connection from the stack-up. A flexible substrate can be used to enable routing of touch electrodes to touch circuitry. In some examples including a shield layer, the thickness of the touch screen stack-up can be reduced by routing the shield layer to a shield electrode on the touch sensor panel. The shield layer can then be routed to touch sensing circuitry via the flexible substrate. In some examples, the touch sensor panel or a portion of thereof can be integrated with the polarizer.
