Portable Computer Display Structure With Borderless Edge Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable computer displays face challenges in mounting fragile structures securely within the housing, leading to potential damage and an unsightly bulkiness when conventional methods are used, and eliminating certain structures results in an overly fragile display.
Innovation Solution
The display module is mounted with a planar rear surface and peripheral housing sidewalls, featuring a color filter glass layer and a thin-film transistor substrate layer with overhanging edges that rest on housing edges, and an opaque border formed by black ink or polymer film to conceal unsightly components, allowing for the elimination of cover glass layers and integration of electronic components like cameras and sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional cover glass layers and chassis members are used to protect the display, then the display structure becomes more robust and protected, but the device becomes bulkier and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional cover glass layer and separate chassis members from the display structure. Instead, the display module itself (comprising the color filter glass layer, thin-film transistor substrate layer, and light guide structures) directly contacts and rests on the housing sidewalls, eliminating unnecessary intermediate protective structures while maintaining protection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the protective function with the display structure itself. The display module is designed to directly interface with the housing sidewalls, combining what were previously separate protective components (cover glass, chassis members) and display components into a single integrated assembly that maintains robustness without additional complexity.
2Weight of moving object
If the display module is made thinner and lighter by removing cover glass layers, then the device becomes more compact and lighter, but the display becomes more fragile and susceptible to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thin-film transistor substrate layers and thin-film capacitive touch sensor layers as alternative structural elements. These thin-film structures provide mechanical support and protection without the bulk and weight of traditional glass cover layers, maintaining display integrity while reducing overall thickness and weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material structures combining the color filter glass layer, thin-film transistor substrate layer, light guide structures, and thin-film capacitive touch sensor layer. This composite construction provides distributed mechanical support and protection across multiple layers, maintaining display robustness while minimizing weight and thickness compared to single-layer glass covers.
3Shape
If the display module edges are aligned with housing edges to create a borderless appearance, then the aesthetic appeal is improved, but the display structure becomes more vulnerable to damage at the edges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the light guide structures and thin-film transistor substrate layer beyond the active display area to form overhanging edges that rest on the housing sidewalls. This pre-positioned extension creates a protective interface before any external force is applied, allowing the edges to be aligned with housing edges for aesthetics while the extended structures provide mechanical cushioning and protection at the periphery.
4Ease of manufacture
If the display structure is simplified by removing intermediate chassis members, then the device becomes more compact and easier to manufacture, but the mounting and alignment becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the light guide structures and thin-film transistor substrate layer to extend to the periphery and rest directly on the housing sidewalls. This creates a uniform interface where the display module naturally aligns with the housing edges, providing inherent positioning and alignment references that simplify manufacturing and assembly while maintaining precision, eliminating the need for separate chassis members for alignment.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device housing may have upper and lower portions that are attached with a hinge. At least one portion of the housing may have a rear planar surface and peripheral sidewalls having edges. A display module may be mounted in the housing. The display module may have glass layers such as a color filter glass layer and a thin-film transistor substrate. The color filter glass layer may serve as the outermost glass layer in the display module. The edges of the display module may be aligned with the edges of the peripheral housing sidewalls to create the appearance of a borderless display for the electronic device. The display module may be provided with an opening that allows a camera or other electronic components to receive light. Traces may be provided on the underside of the thin-film transistor substrate to serve as signal paths for the electrical components.