Transparent Cover Element with Transition Zone for Display Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Display devices with a black panel effect face issues of high cost and energy consumption due to the need for high brightness, and reflections occur due to transitions in transparency, making them expensive to produce and less user-friendly.

Innovation Solution

A display device with a first and second segment, where the cover element has higher transparency over the display device area than elsewhere, made from materials like PMMA or polycarbonate, with a transition area that minimizes visibility of transitions and includes anti-reflection coatings to enhance readability and reduce reflections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the cover element has higher transparency in the display device area to reduce brightness requirements and energy consumption, then energy consumption and cost are reduced, but reflections occur at transparency transitions making the transitions visible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidreflections
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating different transparency zones in the cover element: a first region with higher transparency over the display device area and a second region with lower transparency in surrounding areas. This spatial variation in optical properties allows the display to function with lower brightness requirements while maintaining aesthetic appearance, and the transition area with intermediate transparency values ensures smooth visual transitions without visible reflections or boundaries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of manufacture

If the cover element has higher transparency to allow less bright display devices, then cost is reduced, but the transition between high and low transparency areas becomes visible

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecostVSAvoidvisibility of transitions
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs parameter changes by implementing a gradual transition in the transparency parameter across the cover element. The transition area contains intermediate transparency values that smoothly connect the high-transparency display region with the low-transparency surrounding region. This continuous parameter variation eliminates abrupt boundaries and visible transitions, achieving a homogeneous visual appearance while maintaining cost benefits from reduced display brightness requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 achieves a homogeneous black panel effect with reduced visibility of transitions and improved readability, while lowering material thickness and energy consumption, making the display device more cost-effective and user-friendly.

Implementation Method 1

the transitions are therefore visible to a user. In addition, the production of such a display device is expensive.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAnti-reflection coating: Anti-Reflective Coating

Implementation Method 2

the cover element has a higher transparency in the area of the display device than in at least one other area

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Data Source

PatentEP3074266B1Display device
Publication Date: 2018.11.21 VISTEON GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES INC
  • EP3074266B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3074266B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a display device comprising a first display segment (1) and a second display segment (2). The first display segment (1) comprises an at least partly transparent cover element (3) that has a main direction of extension and a front face and a rear face, while the second display segment comprises at least one display unit (4) that is arranged on the rear face of the cover element. The cover element includes a transition zone (6) between a more transparent region in the area of the display unit and a less transparent region in at least one other area.