Display Glass Ink Layer Structure for Small Camera Hole Formation

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a method to easily form small front camera holes in electronic apparatuses without excessive design changes or additional equipment, as existing methods are prone to defects such as ink smudging.

Innovation Solution

The electronic apparatus includes a transparent glass substrate with a display panel and an ink layer of opaque color applied to an opaque area surrounding the camera hole, forming a light-transmission area on the opposite surface. The ink layer has an inclined area that narrows towards the surface, and laser dot-pattern areas are formed adjacent to the ink layer using CO2 or green lasers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the diameter and thickness of the ink ring are reduced to form smaller camera holes, then the screen size can be increased and aesthetic requirements met, but defects such as ink smudging are likely to occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera hole sizeVSAvoidink layer defect rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating an inclined area specifically at the edge portion of the ink layer, while the central region maintains normal thickness. This localized structural modification allows the ink layer to be thinner at critical edges (reducing smudging) while maintaining adequate coverage in the center, thus resolving the contradiction between small camera hole size and defect prevention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces asymmetry by forming an inclined area where the ink layer thickness varies from the edge toward the center. The ink layer has different thickness characteristics at different locations - thinner at edges and thicker in the center - which optimizes both the small aperture formation and defect prevention, resolving the technical contradiction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Area of stationary object

If the ink layer is made thinner to reduce smudging, then smaller camera holes can be formed, but bubble formation during adhesion may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera hole sizeVSAvoidbubble formation

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The inclined area creates a local quality variation where the ink layer is thinner at the edge (preventing smudging) but the overall ink layer maintains sufficient volume (preventing bubbles). This localized thinning rather than uniform thinning resolves the contradiction between small hole size and bubble prevention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Area of stationary object

If the bezel width is reduced to achieve larger screen, then the overall device size can be minimized, but the camera hole design becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescreen areaVSAvoidcamera hole formation difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the geometric parameters of the ink layer by forming an inclined area with specific thickness variations. This parameter modification allows the ink layer to adapt to smaller camera hole dimensions while maintaining manufacturing feasibility, thus resolving the contradiction between large screen area and ease of camera hole formation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This method allows for the precise formation of small camera holes with reduced defects, such as ink smudging, while minimizing the volume of the ink layer and preventing bubble formation during adhesion, thus enhancing the quality and reliability of the camera module.

Implementation Method 1

The laser dot-pattern area may be formed by at least one of a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser or a green laser

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Implementation Method 2

an ink layer having an opaque color, applied to an opaque area surrounding an edge of the opening to form a light-transmission area corresponding to the opening

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS12298544B2Electronic apparatus having ink layer printed for forming opening on glass substrate covering display panel

Publication Date: 2025.05.13 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

Disclosed is an electronic apparatus including: a housing; a transparent glass substrate covering at least a portion of the housing, and including a first surface facing a first direction and a second surface facing a second direction opposite to the first direction; a display panel accommodated in the housing, covered with the glass substrate, and including at least one opening configured for light transmission in a display area where an image is displayed; and an ink layer having an opaque color, applied to an opaque area surrounding an edge of the opening to form a light-transmission area corresponding to the opening on the second surface, the ink layer including an inclined area where the ink layer becomes narrower in the second direction from the second surface.