Display Module Buffer Structure for Narrow Rim Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing display module designs face challenges with thinning consumer electronic products, where the plastic frame is too thin to form a narrow rim, leading to difficulties in attaching buffers, potential short-circuiting, and displacement of internal components, making automation assembly difficult and increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
A display module with a buffer structure comprising a coated gel is used between the display panel and the outer frame, allowing for precise automation assembly and reducing rim width, while eliminating the need for a plastic frame and its associated gap, thus preventing component displacement and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a plastic frame is used as a buffer and insulation mechanism, then protection and insulation are provided, but the rim width cannot be narrowed sufficiently and the structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the buffer function from the plastic frame by introducing a separate buffer structure (gel pad or foam pad) that can be independently positioned between the display panel and the outer frame. This allows the plastic frame to be eliminated or minimized, achieving narrow rim width while maintaining protection and insulation functions through the dedicated buffer structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary buffer structure (gel pad or foam pad) between the display panel and the outer frame. This intermediary element provides the necessary protection, insulation, and mechanical cushioning without requiring a thick plastic frame, thereby enabling narrow rim width design.
2Shape
If a tape is used as a buffer and insulation mechanism, then the rim can be narrowed, but attachment becomes difficult and short-circuiting risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses gel pads or foam pads as disposable buffer elements that can be easily applied and removed. These materials provide sufficient protection and insulation without the attachment difficulties and short-circuiting risks associated with tapes, while still enabling narrow rim width design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameters from rigid tape to soft gel or foam materials. These material changes provide better compliance, attachment characteristics, and electrical insulation properties, eliminating short-circuiting risks while maintaining narrow rim width capability.
3Reliability
If plastic frame and tape are used, then buffer and insulation are provided, but automation assembly becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the buffer function from the plastic frame assembly by using a separate, self-contained buffer structure (gel pad or foam pad) that can be independently handled and positioned. This separation simplifies the assembly process, enabling automation while maintaining protection and insulation functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The gel pad or foam pad buffer structure is designed to be self-adhering or self-positioning, reducing the complexity of assembly operations. This self-service characteristic enables automation assembly systems to handle the buffer installation without complex fixtures or procedures.
4Reliability
If a plastic frame is used, then protection is provided, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive plastic frames with more economical gel pads or foam pads that provide equivalent protection and insulation functions. These alternative materials are cheaper to manufacture and source, reducing production costs while maintaining the necessary protective functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the protective function from the expensive plastic frame by using a separate, cost-effective buffer structure. This extraction allows the use of cheaper materials (gel or foam) that provide sufficient protection without the high cost of plastic frame manufacturing and assembly.
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 coated gel buffer structure enables precise assembly, reduces rim width, prevents component displacement, and lowers production costs by eliminating the need for a plastic frame and its gap, while providing protection against collisions and potential short-circuiting.
Implementation Method 1
The buffer structure contacts the first side surface and the second side surface. The buffer structure comprises a coated gel.
Implementation Method 2
a buffer structure and a fixing element. The side frame portion is between the buffer structure and the fixing element
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure is directed to a display module and a manufacturing method thereof. The display module includes a display panel, a buffer structure, a fixing element, and an outer frame. The outer frame has a side frame portion and a bottom frame portion. The side frame portion and the bottom frame portion form a space. The display panel is in the space. The display panel includes a first substrate and a second substrate disposed oppositely. The first substrate has a first side surface. The second substrate has a second side surface adjacent to the first side surface. The buffer structure contacts the first side surface and the second side surface. The fixing element contacts the display panel and the outer frame. The side frame portion is between the buffer structure and the fixing element.