Dual-Direction Display Panel Merging LED and Reflective Layers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current folding mobile phones with two independent display panels are costly and thick due to the use of two substrates, which does not align with the trend of lightweight and thin designs.

Innovation Solution

A display panel with two opposite display directions is created by integrating pixel circuits of a light-emitting diode and a non-emission display medium layer into a single panel, using a substrate, switching elements, a dielectric layer, and a pixel electrode, allowing for switching between light-emitting and non-emission modes based on ambient brightness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If two independent display panels are used for folding mobile phone, then the display functionality is improved, but the cost and thickness increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay functionalityVSAvoidthickness
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges two independent display panels into a single integrated display panel that provides two opposite display directions. The display panel includes a substrate with pixel circuits, a light-emitting layer, and a non-emission display medium layer, allowing it to function as both inner screen and outer screen simultaneously, thereby reducing thickness while maintaining display functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single display panel is designed to perform multiple functions: it can display information in two opposite directions (front and back), serve as both inner and outer screens, and switch between light-emitting and non-emission modes. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate display panels while maintaining full display capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If two independent display panels are used for folding mobile phone, then the display functionality is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay functionalityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two independent display panels into one integrated structure, reducing the number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. The single display panel uses shared substrates, pixel circuits, and display media, thereby lowering material costs and simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining dual-directional display functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated display panel is designed to perform multiple display functions simultaneously (inner screen, outer screen, two display directions), eliminating the need to manufacture and assemble two separate panels. This multi-functional design reduces overall manufacturing complexity and cost while providing equivalent or superior display capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Illumination intensity

If light-emitting diode is used for display, then the display brightness is improved, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay brightnessVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic switching mechanism that allows the display panel to alternate between light-emitting mode (using LED) and non-emission mode (using reflective display medium). The control circuit can switch between these modes based on ambient light conditions, usage scenarios, and power availability, thereby optimizing the balance between display brightness and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the display system by switching between two distinct display modes: light-emitting mode for high brightness requirements and non-emission reflective mode for power-saving scenarios. This parameter change allows the system to adapt to different environmental conditions and power states, optimizing both brightness and energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 design reduces the cost and thickness of the mobile phone while maintaining functionality, enabling efficient switching between display modes to optimize power usage and user experience.

Implementation Method 1

a light-emitting diode is formed on the substrate, and the light-emitting diode has a fifth electrode, an emission layer and a reflective electrode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Implementation Method 2

The pixel electrode formed on a part of the first dielectric layer and in the first opening, the pixel electrode is electrically coupled to the second electrode of the first switching element through the first opening, and the pixel electrode is made of reflective material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS8730217B2Display panel with two display directions opposite to each other, electronic device and method for switching electronic device
Publication Date: 2014.05.20 AU OPTRONICS (XIAMEN) CORP
  • US8730217B2 patent drawing
  • US8730217B2 patent drawing
  • US8730217B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A display panel with two display directions opposite to each other, an electronic device and a method for switching the electronic device are provided. The display panel comprises a substrate, a first switching element, a second switching element, and a light-emitting diode. The first switching element is coupled to a scan line and a data line. The second switching element is coupled to a power source. The light-emitting diode is coupled to the second switching element and another power source. The display panel further comprises a dielectric layer covering the above elements, a pixel electrode formed on the dielectric layer, an opposite substrate formed above the substrate and a non-emission display medium layer formed between the substrate and the opposite substrate. The pixel electrode is coupled to an electrode of the first switching element through the opening and is made of reflective material.