Display Panel Step Cover for Narrow Bezel Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional display apparatuses require a significant bezel width to hide steps and inactive areas at the edges of the display panel, which limits design flexibility and increases the overall thickness of the device.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a step cover formed from photocurable resin that covers and hides the steps between the glass substrates and the polarizing films, allowing the front surface of the display panel to be coplanar, thereby minimizing the bezel width needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the bezel width is reduced to minimize the overall device thickness, then the device thickness is reduced, but the steps and inactive areas at the edges of the display panel become visible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the second glass substrate in the depth direction (z-axis) beyond the first glass substrate, creating a stepped structure. This dimensional extension allows the inactive areas and connection components to be positioned in a different spatial plane, making them invisible from the front view while maintaining a narrow bezel width.
Solution Approach 2:
A cover component is introduced as an intermediary element that bridges the stepped structure between the first and second glass substrates. The cover hides the steps and connection components from the front view, providing a seamless appearance that allows the bezel width to be minimized without compromising aesthetic quality.
2Shape
If the second glass substrate is extended past the first glass substrate to hide connection components, then the connection components are hidden, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display panel is segmented into multiple layers with different extents in the depth direction. The first glass substrate, second glass substrate, and cover form distinct segments that can be independently manufactured and assembled, simplifying the overall manufacturing process despite the multi-level structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The extended second glass substrate serves multiple functions: it provides a mounting surface for connection components (COFs), creates the stepped structure for hiding components, and maintains structural integrity of the display panel. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.
3Shape
If a cover is added to cover the front surface of the extended second glass substrate, then the steps are hidden and the front surface becomes coplanar, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is integrated with the extended second glass substrate to form a unified structure. The cover and second glass substrate work together as a single functional unit that provides both structural support and aesthetic coverage, reducing the perceived complexity of having separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is designed to be substantially transparent or translucent, allowing it to blend visually with the surrounding display panel structure. This optical property makes the cover less noticeable, reducing the visual complexity of the multi-component 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
This solution enables a display apparatus with a bezel of minimum width, enhancing design flexibility and reducing the overall thickness by eliminating the need to hide steps and inactive areas, while maintaining a seamless front surface.
Implementation Method 1
The cover may be formed of a photocurable resin
Data Source
AI summary
A display panel and display apparatus which includes the display panel are provided. The display apparatus includes a display panel configured to display a screen, the display panel including: a first glass substrate; a second glass substrate disposed behind the first glass substrate, wherein an end portion of the second glass substrate extends past an end of the first glass substrate such that the end portion of the second glass substrate is not overlapped by the first glass substrate; and a cover that covers a front surface of the end portion of the second glass substrate, wherein a front surface of the cover is coplanar with a front surface of the display panel.