Embedded Pyroelectric Distance Sensing in Display Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display apparatuses face challenges with distance sensors that either occupy screen space or increase cost due to the use of infrared or ultrasonic sensors, affecting the screen-to-body ratio and overall cost.

Innovation Solution

A display module incorporating a pyroelectric induction device layer embedded in a support layer, which senses distance changes without occupying screen space and is more cost-effective than ultrasonic sensors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If infrared or ultrasonic distance sensors are used, then distance detection function is achieved, but screen-to-body ratio decreases and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistance detection functionVSAvoidscreen-to-body ratio
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the distance sensor with the support layer structure, integrating the sensor into the existing display module framework. This combination allows the sensor to be housed within the support layer rather than occupying separate space, thereby maintaining the screen-to-body ratio while achieving distance detection functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions the distance sensor from a traditional planar arrangement to a three-dimensional embedded structure within the support layer. By utilizing the thickness dimension of the support layer, the sensor is positioned without occupying additional lateral space, thus preserving the screen-to-body ratio.

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

2Reliability

If infrared or ultrasonic distance sensors are used, then distance detection function is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistance detection functionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The support layer is designed to serve multiple functions: structural support for the display module and housing for the distance sensor. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sensor housings and reduces the overall component count, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining distance detection capability.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The support layer structure serves itself by providing both mechanical support and sensor accommodation. This self-service approach reduces the need for additional dedicated components and simplifies the manufacturing process, leading to cost reduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If distance sensor is provided separately, then distance detection is accurate, but device thickness increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistance detection accuracyVSAvoiddevice thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The distance sensor is nested within the support layer, similar to a doll within a doll. This nested arrangement allows the sensor to be contained within the existing structural volume of the display module, preventing any increase in overall device thickness while maintaining detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

The pyroelectric induction device layer enhances the screen-to-body ratio and reduces costs by embedding the distance sensor within the support layer, ensuring a thinner and lighter display apparatus while maintaining accurate distance detection.

Implementation Method 1

the pyroelectric induction device layer includes a first electrode layer, a pyroelectric induction layer and a second electrode layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPyroelectric effect: Pyroelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12520726B2Display module and display apparatus
Publication Date: 2026.01.06 CHENGDU BOE OPTOELECTRONICS TECH CO LTD
  • US12520726B2 patent drawing
  • US12520726B2 patent drawing
  • US12520726B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A display module includes a display panel, a support layer and a pyroelectric induction device layer. The support layer is disposed on a non-display side of the display panel. The pyroelectric induction device layer includes a first electrode layer, a pyroelectric induction layer and a second electrode layer that are sequentially disposed in a thickness direction of the support layer, and at least a portion of the pyroelectric induction device layer is embedded in the support layer.