Display Panel Light-Shielding Regions for Graphic Illumination Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light-guiding decorative resin molded products often illuminate unintended graphics when switching between illuminated and unilluminated graphics, making it difficult to individually control the illumination of graphics.
Innovation Solution
A display panel with a first and second light source, where one can be turned off while the other is on, featuring a light-transmissive resin molded body, a front-side decorative layer with light-shielding regions, and a back-side decorative layer to block excess light, ensuring only the intended graphic is illuminated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a light-guiding decorative resin molded product is used to illuminate graphics, then light can be transmitted and guided to achieve a design effect, but unintended graphics are also illuminated when switching between different graphics, making it difficult to individually control illumination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the light-shielding function into multiple segments: front-side light-shielding regions, back-side light-shielding regions, and window regions. Each segment is positioned at specific locations to control light paths independently, preventing unintended graphic illumination while maintaining individual graphic control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies light-shielding properties selectively at different locations: front-side light-shielding regions are placed at the front surface to block light for specific graphics, back-side light-shielding regions are placed at the back surface to prevent light leakage, and window regions are created as transparent areas. This localized application of light-shielding and light-transmission properties enables precise control over which graphics are illuminated
2Productivity
If multiple graphics are simultaneously molded and decorated in a light-transmissive resin, then production efficiency is improved, but individual illumination control of each graphic becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the resin molded body into multiple functional regions: window regions that allow light transmission for specific graphics, front-side light-shielding regions, and back-side light-shielding regions. This segmentation is integrated into the molding process, allowing multiple graphics to be molded simultaneously while maintaining individual control through the segmented light-shielding structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single molded body: the resin molded body simultaneously serves as the structural component, the light-transmission medium, and the housing for embedded light-shielding regions. The front-side and back-side light-shielding regions are integrated into the molding process, merging decoration and light control functions into one manufacturing step, thereby maintaining productivity while enabling individual graphic control
3Ease of operation
If light-shielding regions are added to control illumination, then individual graphic control is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light-shielding structure with the resin molded body itself. The front-side and back-side light-shielding regions are integrated into the molding process, eliminating the need for separate light-shielding components. This merging reduces assembly complexity while maintaining the light control functionality through the integrated segmented structure
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
Enables individual illumination of multiple graphics simultaneously molded and decorated, preventing unintended illumination and enhancing light representation and durability.
Implementation Method 1
a molded body that is light transmissive, is made of resin that is transparent or translucent
Implementation Method 2
a first back-side light-shielding region configured to block light passing through a periphery of the first graphic and a second front-side light-shielding region configured to block light passing through a second window
Implementation Method 3
to prevent the first graphic from being illuminated using the second back-side light-shielding region and the first front-side light-shielding region
Data Source
AI summary
A display panel is attached to an appliance that includes first and second light sources, in which one of the first and second light sources is capable of being turned off when the other is turned on. The display panel basically includes a molded body, a front-side decorative layer, and a sheet-like member. The display panel is capable of individually illuminating a plurality of graphics, which is simultaneously molded and decorated, with light passing through a molded resin. In particular, a first graphic is illuminated in a first window by turning on the first light source, while a first back-side light-shielding region and a second front-side light-shielding region prevent a second graphic from being illuminated. The second graphic is illuminated in a second window by turning on the second light source, while a second back-side light-shielding region and a first front-side light-shielding region prevent the first graphic from being illuminated.