Compliant Support Reducing Display Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional display devices, especially those with touchscreen functionality in mobile configurations, suffer from deflection issues when contacted, leading to visual artifacts due to pressure on the liquid crystal display, which disrupts the liquid crystals and causes visual defects.
Innovation Solution
A compliant support system is introduced to reduce deflection by acting as a backer layer, configured as a thermal pad to transfer heat and provide varying levels of support through zones with different resistance to compression, using materials like foam with holes or solid deformable materials, to absorb pressure and minimize visual artifacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid support structure is used for the display device, then structural stability is improved, but visual artifacts occur due to pressure-induced deflection of the liquid crystal display
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a compliant support layer (flexible film) between the display device and the rigid housing to eliminate visual artifacts. This flexible layer conforms to the display surface and distributes pressure evenly, preventing the deflection that causes display defects while maintaining structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanical parameter of the support structure from rigid to compliant. By using a material with appropriate durometer (softness) and thickness, the support layer can deform under pressure to accommodate the display device, preventing stress concentration and visual artifacts while still providing necessary support.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a compliant support layer is added to reduce deflection, then visual artifacts are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compliant support layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a cushion to prevent visual artifacts, provides thermal management by facilitating heat transfer from the display device, and offers mechanical support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the support function and thermal management function into a single compliant layer. Instead of having separate support structures and thermal management systems, the compliant material integrates both functions, simplifying the overall device architecture.
3Ease of manufacture
If uniform support is provided across the display device, then manufacturing is simplified, but pressure distribution is inadequate leading to edge deflection and visual artifacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the thickness of the compliant support layer across the display surface. The layer is thicker at the edges where deflection is more pronounced and thinner toward the center, providing targeted support where needed. This non-uniform thickness distribution effectively prevents edge deflection and visual artifacts while remaining manufacturable.
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 compliant support system effectively reduces deflection and visual artifacts in display devices, enhancing user interaction by distributing pressure and maintaining display stability, while also serving as a thermal management component.
Implementation Method 1
configured to reduce deflection of the display device responsive to pressure applied to a surface of the display device
Implementation Method 2
using materials like foam with holes or solid deformable materials, to absorb pressure
Implementation Method 3
configured as a thermal pad to transfer heat
Data Source
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AI summary
A compliant support for a display device is described. In one or more implementations, an apparatus includes an external enclosure configured to assume a mobile computing device configuration and one or more computing components secured by and disposed within the external enclosure. The one or more computing components are configured to perform one or more operations that are specified by software. A display device is secured to the external enclosure such that the display device is viewable by a user, the display device supporting touchscreen functionality. A compliant support is disposed between the one or more computing components and the display device, the compliant support configured to reduce deflection of the display device by compression of the compliant support, the deflection caused in response to contact against a surface of the display device.