Flexible Display Panel Light Guide Frame Elimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
In display devices, removing the frame that covers the side surfaces of the light guide can lead to reduced light use efficiency and light leakage, degrading the display quality, making it difficult to achieve without compromising the structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
A display device configuration that includes a flexible display panel bent along the side surface of the light guide, with a reflective member or polarizers positioned to reflect and reuse light, eliminating the need for a frame by integrating the light management functions within the panel and polarizers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the frame that covers the side surfaces of the light guide is removed, then the display device thickness is reduced, but light use efficiency decreases and light leakage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the frame's light management functions (reflection and blocking) into the display panel assembly. The display panel is bent along the light guide's side surface, and polarizers are integrated into the panel structure, eliminating the need for a separate frame while maintaining light control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The display panel serves multiple functions: it displays images, bends along the light guide side surface to provide structural support, and works with polarizers to manage light reflection and blocking. This multi-functionality replaces the traditional frame's roles without requiring a separate component.
2Length of stationary object
If the frame that covers the side surfaces of the light guide is removed, then the display device thickness is reduced, but light leakage to the outside occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The light blocking function previously performed by the frame is merged into the display panel assembly. The bent display panel along with integrated polarizers creates an effective barrier that prevents light leakage while allowing the device to be thinner.
Solution Approach 2:
The polarizers act as intermediaries between the light guide and the external environment. They are positioned to block light leakage while allowing the display panel to bend along the light guide side surface, effectively mediating the light control function without requiring a traditional frame.
3Device complexity
If the frame that covers the side surfaces is removed, then the device complexity is reduced, but the light management functionality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light management functions (structural support, light reflection, and light blocking) into the display panel assembly. The bent panel configuration plus integrated polarizers replicate the frame's light management capabilities while reducing overall device complexity by eliminating a separate frame component.
Solution Approach 2:
The display panel assembly performs multiple functions that were previously distributed across separate components: it provides structural support by bending along the light guide side surface, manages light reflection through its configuration, and prevents light leakage via integrated polarizers. This universality maintains light management efficiency while simplifying the overall device structure.
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 configuration enhances light use efficiency, prevents light leakage, and allows for a thinner display device design by eliminating the frame, thereby improving the overall display quality and reducing thickness.
Implementation Method 1
The frame does not only support the light guide, but plays a role of reflecting part of the light emitted from the side surfaces of the light guide and returning the light to the light guide
Implementation Method 2
A display device configuration that includes a flexible display panel bent along the side surface of the light guide, with a reflective member or polarizers positioned to reflect and reuse light
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a display device comprises a light source, a light guide, a flexible display panel, and a first polarizer. The light guide includes first and second surfaces and a side surface. The flexible display panel includes a display area on which the light from the first surface is incident. The first polarizer is disposed between the light guide and the display panel. The display panel is opposed to the first surface. An end portion of the display panel is bent toward the second surface along the side surface. The first polarizer faces the side surface.