Display Attachment via Transverse Support Member

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices face challenges in securely attaching display assemblies to support structures, particularly during drop events, where relative movement can lead to partial or complete loss of functionality due to induced forces.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a display assembly with a planar portion and a curved portion, along with a transverse support member that is offset and perpendicular to the centerline, provides a robust load path directly to the support structure, minimizing relative movement and enhancing attachment security without increasing device size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a display assembly is securely attached to a support structure using traditional methods, then attachment strength is improved, but device size increases due to larger adhesive areas and support structures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment strengthVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The support member extends transverse to and offset from the centerline of the display layer, creating a three-dimensional load path that directs forces away from the planar display area. This dimensional offset allows the support structure to be positioned outside the active display region, maintaining edge-to-edge display while providing structural support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The support function is segmented from the display layer itself, with a separate support member positioned at the curved portion. This segmentation allows the display layer to maintain its planar integrity for optimal display area while the separate support member handles mechanical loading, eliminating the need for extensive adhesive areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Area of stationary object

If a display assembly is designed with edge-to-edge display configuration, then display area is improved, but attachment robustness deteriorates due to minimal support structure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay areaVSAvoidattachment robustness
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support member acts as an intermediary element positioned at the curved portion of the display layer. It mediates between the display assembly and the support structure, providing a dedicated load path that directs forces away from the adhesive regions. This allows the adhesive areas to be minimal while maintaining attachment robustness during drop events.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If traditional adhesive methods are used to attach display assembly, then ease of manufacture is improved, but attachment robustness during drop events deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidattachment robustness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The critical load-bearing function is extracted from the adhesive system and placed into a dedicated support member. This extraction allows the adhesive to be used minimally for bonding, while the support member handles the mechanical stresses during drop events, combining manufacturing simplicity with enhanced reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP3623898B1Method and apparatus for attaching display to enclosure
Publication Date: 2021.11.17 APPLE INC
  • EP3623898B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3623898B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C
  • EP3623898B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An electronic device having a display assembly and housing is disclosed. Several layers may combine to form the display assembly including a display layer. The display assembly can also include a support structure. The display layer may have a planar portion configured to present visual information and a curved portion. The display assembly can additionally include a transverse support member that extends away from the curved portion. The transverse support member may have a central portion that is coupled to at least the curved portion and at least one end portion coupled to the support structure. The transverse support member can define at least one separate load path capable of transferring a corresponding load from the display layer to the support structure.