Display Optical Structure for Windshield Reflection Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Display devices emit light that can be directed towards a driver's eyes or reflected on a vehicle's windshield, obstructing the driver's view, particularly at night.

Innovation Solution

A display device with light blocking linear patterns and a reflective layer that control light emission direction, preventing light from being directed towards the driver or windshield, and incorporating a low-refractive index layer to enhance light efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If light blocking linear patterns are added to control light emission direction, then light efficiency is improved and light directed towards driver is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight efficiencyVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The light blocking structure is segmented into linear patterns with protruding portions rather than a continuous blocking layer. These segmented linear patterns are arranged in specific directions to control light emission angles, allowing light to pass through in desired directions while blocking it in unwanted directions, thereby improving light efficiency without requiring a complete light blocking layer

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The light blocking linear patterns incorporate protruding portions that extend in the vertical dimension (thickness direction) beyond the plane of the display device front surface. This dimensional extension creates additional light blocking capability at specific angles without increasing the lateral footprint, effectively controlling light direction while maintaining a compact structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If display device is used in vehicle, then digital data display is achieved, but light reflection on windshield obstructs driver view

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay applicationVSAvoidwindshield reflection

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The light blocking linear patterns are positioned and oriented with specific local qualities - they extend in the horizontal direction and have protruding portions that create direction-dependent light blocking. This local structural quality ensures that light emitted from the display device is blocked at specific angles that would otherwise reflect onto the windshield, while allowing light to pass through in directions that do not cause reflection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The protruding portions of the light blocking linear patterns, which add structural complexity, actually serve to convert potentially harmful reflected light into beneficial controlled emission. By strategically positioning these protrusions, the design transforms the light blocking function into a directional control mechanism that prevents windshield reflection while maintaining overall light efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 effectively reduces light emission towards the driver and windshield reflections, enhancing light efficiency while eliminating misalignment issues and reducing manufacturing costs.

Implementation Method 1

a second organic layer covering upper surfaces of the light blocking linear patterns and having a lower refractive index than the first organic layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

light blocking linear patterns on an upper portion of the encapsulation layer, extending in a first direction, each including a protruding portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight blocking: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 3

light blocking linear patterns with a reflective layer that control light emission direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS20250393451A1Display device, manufacturing method thereof, and electronic device having display device

Publication Date: 2025.12.25 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

A display device includes: a substrate; a light emitting diode on the substrate and including a light emitting layer; a pixel defining layer having an opening corresponding to the light emitting layer; an encapsulation layer on an upper portion of the pixel defining layer and the light emitting layer; light blocking linear patterns on an upper portion of the encapsulation layer, extending in a first direction, each including a protruding portion; a first organic layer between adjacent light blocking linear patterns; and a second organic layer covering upper surfaces of the light blocking linear patterns and having a lower refractive index than the first organic layer.