Display Apparatus with Fluid Gap for Reflective Mirror Mode

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Solution Overview

Problem

As display panel sizes increase, existing display apparatuses lack effective design solutions for improving aesthetics when not in use, as they either remain conspicuous or suffer from image deterioration when switched to non-display states.

Innovation Solution

A display apparatus featuring a transmission/reflection switching unit with a plate-like body and gap portion that switches between fluid-filled and fluid-discharged states, allowing for transmissive and reflective modes, enhancing design properties by mimicking a white reflection characteristic when not in use and maintaining image quality when in use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of moving object

If the display panel size is increased, then the display area and visual impact are improved, but the design aesthetics when not in use deteriorate as the display becomes more conspicuous

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay areaVSAvoiddesign aesthetics
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The display apparatus employs a dynamic state change mechanism where the screen transitions between display mode and mirror mode. A plate-like body with reflective properties is positioned in front of the display panel, and by controlling the gap between them (using fluid pressure or electrostatic forces), the system dynamically switches between transmitting display light and reflecting ambient light, thus adapting the appearance based on operational state

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the optical parameters of the screen by controlling the gap distance between the display panel and the plate-like body. When the gap is small or eliminated, the plate reflects ambient light creating a mirror effect for aesthetic purposes. When the gap is increased, the display light transmits through for viewing. This parameter change allows the same physical structure to serve both aesthetic and functional purposes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Shape

If the display is switched to a non-display state to improve aesthetics, then design property is improved, but image quality deteriorates due to image deterioration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign propertyVSAvoidimage quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between two distinct states: in the display state, the plate is positioned to allow full transmission of display light for optimal image quality; in the non-display state, the plate is positioned to reflect ambient light for aesthetic purposes. The dynamic control ensures that image quality is maintained when displaying while aesthetics are enhanced when not in use

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The plate-like body serves multiple functions: it acts as a protective cover for the display panel, provides a mirror-like reflective surface when not in use for aesthetic purposes, and allows full light transmission when the display is active. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the same component serve both aesthetic and image quality requirements in different operational states

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 enables the display apparatus to blend into its surroundings when not in use while maintaining image quality and preventing deterioration, thus improving both design aesthetics and functionality.

Implementation Method 1

a gap portion formed between the front surface of the display and the plate-like body and configured to switch between a state filled with a fluid and a state where the fluid is discharged

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS11385492B2Display apparatus
Publication Date: 2022.07.12 SATURN LICENSING LLC
  • US11385492B2 patent drawing
  • US11385492B2 patent drawing
  • US11385492B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A display apparatus includes a display, a plate-like body, and a gap portion. The display is configured to display an image and having a front surface. The plate-like body is provided along the front surface of the display and configured to transmit image light emitted from the front surface of the display. The gap portion is formed between the front surface of the display and the plate-like body and configured to switch between a state filled with a fluid and a state where the fluid is discharged.