Multi-Layer Glass Display Panel Bezel Minimization

Solution Overview

Problem

Wearable electronic devices face challenges in optimizing the display area and input/output functionality due to the need for a balance between a small form factor and sufficient screen size, often resulting in reduced active display areas when non-active areas, such as bezels, are enlarged to accommodate signal lines and circuits.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device incorporates a frame with a display member featuring a glass panel configuration where a second glass with a larger surface area projects beyond the edge of a first glass, which is inserted through an opening in the frame, allowing for a minimized frame size and maximized active display area while maintaining a circular shape, and the shielding portion is positioned either fully inside or partially exposed to minimize size and enhance aesthetics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the bezel size is increased to accommodate signal lines and circuits, then the device can provide sufficient space for components, but the active display area becomes relatively smaller

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebezel areaVSAvoidactive display area

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSArea of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The glass panel is divided into multiple segments: a first glass corresponding to the active display area, a second glass extending beyond the first glass to provide shielding, and a third glass positioned between them. This segmentation allows each glass component to serve distinct functions while optimizing the overall layout to maximize the active display area without increasing the device's external dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by stacking multiple glass layers (first, second, and third glass) at different heights. The second glass extends beyond the first glass in the horizontal direction while being positioned at a different vertical level, allowing shielding functionality to be achieved without increasing the active display area or external device size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of stationary object

If the frame size is reduced to achieve a compact form factor, then the device becomes more wearable, but it becomes difficult to accommodate signal lines and circuits

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveframe areaVSAvoidintegration of signal lines and circuits

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The glass panel is divided into multiple segments: a first glass corresponding to the active display area, a second glass extending beyond the first glass to provide shielding, and a third glass positioned between them. This segmentation allows each glass component to serve distinct functions while optimizing the overall layout to maximize the active display area without increasing the device's external dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The third glass acts as an intermediary component positioned between the first glass (active display area) and the second glass (shielding portion). This intermediate glass layer facilitates the integration of signal lines and circuits by providing a dedicated space for routing connections while maintaining the compact frame structure and protecting the underlying components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If a single glass panel is used, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the risk of damage and difficulty in replacing only the damaged portion increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidreplacement of damaged glass

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The glass panel is divided into multiple segments: a first glass corresponding to the active display area, a second glass extending beyond the first glass to provide shielding, and a third glass positioned between them. This segmentation allows each glass component to serve distinct functions while optimizing the overall layout to maximize the active display area without increasing the device's external dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The shielding function is extracted from the active display glass and implemented as a separate second glass component that extends beyond the first glass. This extraction allows the shielding portion to be independently manufactured, positioned, and replaced if damaged, while the first glass (active display area) can be replaced separately without affecting the shielding structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS10237988B2Electronic device

Publication Date: 2019.03.19 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a frame and a display member exposed through an opening of the frame. The display member includes a first glass exposed through the opening to an outside and a second glass disposed on a surface of the first glass. The second glass includes an area formed to project beyond an edge of the first glass such that the area is positioned inside the frame.