Fingerprint Sensor Integration in Display Device Protective Cover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional display devices require holes in non-display areas for sensor integration, which disrupt electrical connections and reduce the display area, making it challenging to efficiently utilize space and maintain structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a fingerprint sensor within the display area using a protective cover with a stepped shoulder structure and adhesive layers, allowing the sensor to be mounted without interrupting electrical or structural integrity, and utilizing light emitted from organic light emitting elements for fingerprint recognition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If holes are made in non-display areas for sensor integration, then sensor mounting is enabled, but electrical connections are interrupted and structural integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the sensor from the traditional non-display area (2D plane) into the thickness direction (3D space) by creating a stepped structure. The sensor is positioned at a different height level than the display panel surface, allowing it to be mounted without interrupting the electrical connections and structural integrity of the display panel while still being accessible for fingerprint recognition
2Ease of operation
If holes are made in non-display areas for sensors, then sensors can be accommodated, but the display area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By positioning the sensor in the thickness direction rather than occupying horizontal space in the non-display area, the patent enables sensor accommodation without reducing the display area. The sensor occupies vertical space instead of horizontal space, allowing the display area to extend to the edges of the device
3Ease of operation
If sensors are integrated in non-display areas, then sensor functionality is achieved, but space utilization is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the thickness direction (z-axis) for sensor placement rather than consuming horizontal space (x-y plane). This dimensional repositioning allows the display area to maximize the horizontal space while the sensor occupies the vertical dimension, achieving both sensor functionality and optimal space utilization
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor is nested within the layered structure of the display device at a different height level, similar to how nested dolls occupy space within each other. The sensor is positioned in a stepped recess that is part of the overall device structure, allowing it to be integrated without adding to the horizontal footprint
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 approach reduces the visibility of the sensor attachment portion, minimizes the bezel, and maximizes the display area by allowing sensors to be integrated directly into the display area, enhancing space utilization and maintaining the device's structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
When a voltage is applied to both electrodes, visible light is generated from the organic light emitting layer connected to both electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
A display device includes: a display panel having a display area; a protective cover disposed on a surface of the display panel in a position overlapping the display area, the protective cover having an opening overlapping the display area and extending in a thickness direction opposite from the display panel, the protective cover including a first layer; and a fingerprint sensor disposed at least partially in the opening.