Electro-Optical Display Frame Design for Dual-Display Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable objects, such as wristwatches and smart telephones, with electro-optical display devices face challenges in design where a second display device under the electro-optical display obstructs visibility due to the placement of electrical connection elements, which are aesthetically unappealing and reduce light penetration, making it difficult for users to see information from both displays effectively.
Innovation Solution
A design where the electro-optical display device has an opaque active display zone with dimensions smaller than the frame's opening, allowing a transparent area around it, concealing the electrical connection elements and enabling clear visibility of information from a second display device located under the electro-optical display device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the rear substrate is made larger than the front substrate to accommodate electrical connection elements, then the electrical connection reliability is improved, but the aesthetic appearance and light penetration are worsened due to the visible and obstructive connection elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the electrical connection elements on the rear substrate in a region that extends beyond the projection of the front substrate, effectively utilizing the third dimension (depth) to separate the connection elements from the optical path. This allows light to pass through the front substrate and active display area without being obstructed by the connection elements located on the rear substrate plane.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the electrical connection elements from the common plane of the front substrate by placing them on the extended rear substrate area. This separation removes the harmful visual obstruction and light blocking effect of the connection elements from the user's view while maintaining their electrical connection function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a second display device is placed under the electro-optical display device, then the information display capability is improved, but the visibility of the second display is worsened by the electrical connection elements blocking light
Solution Approach 1:
By positioning the electrical connection elements on the rear substrate in a region extending beyond the front substrate's projection, the patent creates a clear optical path for light to pass through to the second display device positioned underneath, enabling simultaneous visibility of both display devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the obstructing electrical connection elements from the optical path between the light source and the second display device by placing them on the extended rear substrate area, thereby restoring full visibility to the second display.
3Area of stationary object
If the active display area is made equal to the frame opening, then the display area utilization is improved, but the aesthetic appearance and visibility of underlying elements are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the depth dimension by extending the rear substrate beyond the front substrate's projection, allowing the active display area to maintain high utilization while the electrical connection elements are positioned in the extended rear region, creating a clean aesthetic appearance from the front view.
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 allows users to distinctly see information from both the electro-optical and second display devices, maintaining an aesthetically pleasing appearance by hiding the electrical connection elements, while ensuring the electro-optical display device appears connected to nothing.
Implementation Method 1
comprises an electro-optical display device provided with a liquid crystal whose optical properties can be modified by applying a current or an electric voltage between at least one electrode and a corresponding counter-electrode
Implementation Method 2
there remains between the active display area and the edges of the frame of the object a transparent area
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to an object, in particular a portable object such as a timepiece or a smartphone, this object comprising an electro-optical display device equipped with an optically active element whose optical properties can be modified by applying an electrical current or voltage between at least one electrode and a corresponding counter-electrode between which the optically active element is arranged, the object also comprising a frame (2) which delimits an opening (4) in which the electro-optical display device is arranged, the object also comprising an external electronic power supply and control device (31; 66) as well as elements (32, 34, 36; 64, 70) for the electrical connection of the electro-optical display device to the external electronic power supply and control device (31; 66), the external electronic device (31;66) power supply and control, as well as the electrical connection elements (32, 34, 36; 64, 70), being masked by the frame (2) of the object, the electro-optical display device defining an opaque active display area (38; 72) whose surface is smaller than the surface of the opening (4) delimited by the frame (2), so that, even when the electro-optical display device is activated and displaying information, there remains between the active display area (38; 72) and the edges of the frame (2) a transparent area (40; 74), while an area located below the active display area (38; 72) is masked.;