Deadfront Display Glass With Contrast Layers for Seamless Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies face challenges in achieving a seamless transition between display and non-display areas, particularly in automotive interiors, where a deadfront appearance is desired to hide display components when off and reveal them clearly when active, while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
Innovation Solution
A deadfront article comprising a substrate with a semi-transparent layer and a contrast layer, configured to enhance visibility and contrast, is used, along with a high optical density layer to define icons and graphics, which is formed using a cold-bending process to create curved shapes without the limitations of hot-forming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a glass or plastic cover surface is used for the display, then the display is protected and has a smooth surface, but the edge of the display is visible even when turned off, breaking the aesthetic seamless appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a deadfront layer with optical properties that change based on lighting conditions. When the display is off, the deadfront layer matches the appearance of the surrounding non-display area, creating a seamless look. When the display is on, the deadfront layer becomes transparent or changes optical properties to reveal the display content, thus solving the contradiction between aesthetic appearance and display visibility.
2Shape
If a deadfront layer is applied to achieve seamless appearance, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the visibility and quality of the display when on is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The deadfront layer incorporates dynamic optical properties that respond to the display state. The layer can transition between opaque and transparent states, or adjust its optical density, to optimize both the deadfront appearance when the display is off and the display visibility when the display is on. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between aesthetic appearance and display quality.
3Shape
If hot-forming is used to create curved shapes, then complex curved shapes can be achieved, but the process has limitations including high temperature requirements and potential damage to display components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal forming process with a mechanical cold-bending process. The display assembly, including the deadfront layer and substrate, is bent to the desired curved shape at room temperature using mechanical forces. This substitution eliminates the need for high-temperature equipment and prevents thermal damage to sensitive display components while still achieving complex curved geometries.
4Shape
If the deadfront article is made opaque to hide display components, then the deadfront appearance is improved, but the icons and graphics become less visible when the display is on
Solution Approach 1:
The deadfront layer's optical parameters, such as optical density and transparency, are dynamically adjusted based on the display state. When the display is off, the deadfront layer has higher optical density to match the surrounding area. When the display is on, the optical parameters change to increase transparency, ensuring icons and graphics remain visible. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between hiding display components and maintaining icon visibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a deadfront article are provided. The deadfront article includes a substrate having a first surface and a second surface. The deadfront article also includes a semi-transparent layer disposed onto the second surface of the substrate. The semi-transparent layer has a region of a solid color or of a design of two or more colors, and the semi-transparent layer has a first optical density. Further, the deadfront article includes a contrast layer disposed onto the region. The contrast layer is configured to enhance visibility of the color(s) of the semi-transparent layer.