Display Opening Dam Structure for Wider Camera-Around Screens

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Solution Overview

Problem

Portable electronic devices with embedded camera functions face space constraints, leading to reduced display area due to the placement of camera components outside the display area, resulting in a decrease in available space for image display.

Innovation Solution

A display device design that minimizes the peripheral area around an opening by using a substrate with a transistor, insulation layer, electrodes, and dams, along with an encapsulation layer, to create a wider display area while maintaining the functionality of embedded modules like cameras.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If camera components are placed outside the display area, then camera functionality is maintained, but the display area decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera functionalityVSAvoiddisplay area

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent embeds the camera module within the opening area of the display, nesting one functional component inside another structure. The camera is positioned in the opening without compromising the display area, as the display surrounds the opening rather than being reduced by it.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a two-dimensional layout where camera and display compete for space to a three-dimensional arrangement where the display wraps around the opening in multiple directions. The display area extends along both sides of the opening, utilizing vertical and horizontal dimensions to maintain large display area while accommodating the camera.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of stationary object

If the peripheral area around the opening is reduced, then the display area increases, but the structural support and functionality may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay areaVSAvoidstructural support

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different structural characteristics to different regions: the peripheral area contains dams with specific heights and spacing to provide structural support, while the display area maximizes visual coverage. The inorganic insulation layers and encapsulation layers provide localized protection and support where needed without reducing overall display area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The structure uses composite materials including inorganic insulation layers, organic insulation layers, and encapsulation layers with different mechanical properties. These composite structures provide the necessary structural support and reliability in the peripheral area while allowing the display area to be maximized.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS11785798B2Display with dam surrounding opening

Publication Date: 2023.10.10 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

A display device includes: a substrate including an opening area, a peripheral area surrounding the opening area, and a display area surrounding the peripheral area; a transistor overlapping the display area on the substrate; an insulation layer on the transistor; a first electrode on the insulation layer; a pixel definition layer on the first electrode; an intermediate layer and a second electrode that overlap the first electrode and include a functional layer; a dam overlapping the peripheral area; and a first layer overlapping the peripheral area and spaced apart from the intermediate layer, wherein the first layer is spaced apart from an upper surface of the dam and covers a side surface of the dam.