Integrated Display Cover with Embedded Light Guide Structure

Solution Overview

Problem

Display covers used for illuminant devices are often bulky and heavy due to the presence of circuit boards and multiple assembly parts, increasing assembly time and cost, while also losing light efficiency through different media interfaces.

Innovation Solution

A display cover design featuring a light transmitting layer with window patterns, integrated light sources, and a light conduction layer that includes a light guide structure to direct light to the transmitting windows, eliminating the need for external light sources and circuit boards, and embedding components within the light conduction layer to reduce thickness and weight.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If circuit boards and multiple assembly parts are provided for illuminant display covers, then illuminant display function is achieved, but display cover becomes bulky and heavy occupying undesired space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveilluminant display functionVSAvoiddisplay cover weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the light source, circuit board, and display cover into a single integrated structure. The light source is directly mounted on the inner surface of the display cover, eliminating the need for separate circuit boards and assembly parts, thereby achieving the illuminant display function while reducing weight and occupied space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The display cover serves multiple functions: it acts as both the structural cover and the mounting substrate for the light source, while also serving as the display surface. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function, reducing overall weight and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If circuit boards and multiple assembly parts are provided for illuminant display covers, then illuminant display function is achieved, but display cover occupies undesired space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveilluminant display functionVSAvoiddisplay cover volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the light source, circuit board, and display cover into a single integrated structure. The light source is directly mounted on the inner surface of the display cover, eliminating the need for separate circuit boards and assembly parts, thereby achieving the illuminant display function while reducing weight and occupied space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The light source is nested within the display cover structure, with the light source mounting surface formed on the inner surface of the cover itself. This nesting arrangement allows the light source to be housed within the existing cover volume rather than requiring additional external space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If numerous assembly parts and multiple assembly process are used, then illuminant display function is achieved, but cost and working hours for assembling display covers are increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveilluminant display functionVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the light source, circuit board, and display cover into a single integrated structure. The light source is directly mounted on the inner surface of the display cover, eliminating the need for separate circuit boards and assembly parts, thereby achieving the illuminant display function while reducing weight and occupied space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The display cover structure provides its own mounting surface for the light source through its inner surface design, eliminating the need for separate mounting brackets, adhesives, or assembly steps. The structure serves its own mounting function, reducing assembly complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Illumination intensity

If light source is provided above the light conduction layer, then light emission function is achieved, but light loss through different media interfaces increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight emissionVSAvoidlight loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the light source from its traditional position above the light conduction layer and repositions it directly on the inner surface of the display cover. This eliminates unnecessary light transmission through multiple media interfaces (from light source to air gap to cover material), reducing light loss while maintaining emission function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a light conduction layer as an intermediary between the light source and the light transmitting window. This layer efficiently guides light from the source (mounted on the inner cover surface) to the display area, minimizing light loss by providing a direct optical path without unnecessary air gaps or interface reflections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 results in a compact, lightweight display cover with improved light uniformity and efficiency, reducing assembly complexity and costs, and minimizing light loss through media interfaces.

Implementation Method 1

a light conduction layer provided above the light transmitting layer and covering the window patterns and the at least one light source. There is at least one light guide structure provided at one side of the light conduction layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight conduction: Optical Fibre

Implementation Method 2

a light transmitting layer; window patterns, corresponding to design of predetermined patterns and defining a light transmitting windows with the predetermined patterns on the light transmitting layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight transmission: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS20230152512A1Display cover

Publication Date: 2023.05.18 DARWIN PRECISIONS CORP

AI summary

The present invention provides a display cover, which includes a light transmission layer, a window pattern disposed on the light transmitting layer, at least one light source disposed on the light transmission layer or the window pattern, and a light conduction layer disposed on the light transmission layer to cover the window pattern and the at least one light source. The window pattern is designed corresponding to a predetermined pattern, so as to define a light transmission window of the predetermined pattern in the light transmission layer. Moreover, at least one light guide structure is disposed on one side of the light conduction layer facing away from the light transmission layer. The at least one light guide structure is configured to at least partially guide light emitted from the at least one light source to the light transmission window.