Display Element Spacers for Light Guide Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display elements for display devices face issues with damage protection and undesirable lighting effects when pressed against a control panel or cover, as the top coating can be scratched or removed, affecting the illuminated display function.
Innovation Solution
The use of non-elastic, electrically conductive spacers that protrude beyond the top of the light-guiding channel to prevent direct contact with the underside of the control panel, combined with an opaque coating on the light-guiding channel and spacers, ensures protection and maintains the illuminated display function.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the display element is pressed against the underside of a control panel or cover, then good contact and mounting stability are achieved, but the top coating of the light guide channel can be scratched or removed causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces spacers as intermediary elements between the display element and the control panel/cover. These spacers protrude from the housing and make contact with the underside of the control panel, thereby mediating the mechanical contact and preventing direct contact between the vulnerable top coating and the potentially damaging surface of the control panel or cover.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacers serve as a protective barrier that is positioned in advance to cushion and absorb any mechanical stress or abrasion that might otherwise reach the top coating. By being in place before any potential damage occurs, they prevent the harmful contact between the control panel surface and the light guide channel coating.
2Reliability
If elastic electrically conductive material is used for contact, then good electrical contact is achieved, but the material can deform and allow the top coating to contact the control panel causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The spacers act as intermediary structural elements that maintain a defined spatial relationship between the display element and the control panel. By being non-elastic and protruding beyond the housing, they ensure that even when elastic conductive materials deform, the top coating remains separated from the control panel surface, thus mediating both mechanical and electrical contact functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different material properties to different parts of the system: elastic electrically conductive material is used where flexibility and electrical contact are needed, while non-elastic spacers are used where structural stability and protection are required. This local differentiation of material qualities allows each component to perform its specific function optimally.
3Ease of operation
If the top coating is removed to create cutouts for display, then the illuminated display function is achieved, but the coating becomes vulnerable to damage from contact
Solution Approach 1:
The spacers serve as a protective intermediary that allows the top coating to be removed for display functionality while preventing direct exposure of the vulnerable edges. The spacers protrude beyond the housing and contact the control panel underside, creating a physical barrier that protects the cutout edges of the coating from mechanical damage during operation.
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 spacers provide secure protection against damage and maintain the integrity of the illuminated display by preventing the top coating from being scratched, ensuring optimal light output and preventing undesirable lighting effects.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide channel (24) that runs continuously from a bottom to a top (26) of the display housing (22) and consists of light-transmitting material
Implementation Method 2
An opaque coating (42) is applied to the light guide channel on the top side of the display housing
Implementation Method 3
The material of the spacers is electrically conductive for an operating function and thus forms a capacitive sensor element at the top of the display element
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A display element (20) for a display device (18) has a display housing (22) and a light guide channel (24) within the display housing (22) for a light indicator function. The light guide channel (24) extends continuously from a bottom surface (25) to a top surface (26) of the display housing. The light guide channel (24) is sealed laterally to block light, and an opaque coating (42) is applied to the light guide channel (24) on the top surface (26) of the display housing (22). Non-elastic spacers (32a-d) are provided on at least two outer surfaces of the display housing (22), projecting beyond or being taller than the top surface (26) of the light guide channel (24). For an operating function, the spacers (32a-d) are electrically conductive and form capacitive sensor elements.