Exterior Panel Coating Structure for Hidden Light-Up Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for displaying information on exterior panels of products, such as electric appliances, require the installation of liquid crystal panels, increasing costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A display device comprising an exterior base material with high and low translucent sections, and multiple coating layers with varying light transmittance, allowing for a light source to create visible displays only when activated, without the need for liquid crystal panels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a liquid crystal panel is installed to enable display functionality on exterior panels, then display capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical system of liquid crystal panels with a photochromic material system that undergoes chemical transformation under UV irradiation. The exterior panel itself becomes the display medium through color change, eliminating the need for separate liquid crystal display components and reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes photochromic materials that change their optical properties (color absorption characteristics) in response to UV irradiation intensity. By controlling the UV exposure, the panel transitions between different display states, enabling display functionality through parameter change rather than complex mechanical or electronic control systems.
2Illumination intensity
If the exterior panel surface is made translucent to allow light penetration for display, then display visibility is improved, but surface appearance uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different translucent properties to different regions of the exterior panel. The display region contains photochromic material with specific translucent characteristics that change under UV irradiation, while non-display regions maintain different translucent properties. This local differentiation enables display functionality while preserving overall surface appearance uniformity, as each region maintains its appropriate visual characteristics.
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
Enables cost-effective and simple display production on exterior panels, with the display appearing only when the light source is turned on, providing a balanced and impactful visual effect while protecting the light source from impacts.
Implementation Method 1
an exterior panel with a photochromic exterior panel 30 that changes color absorption characteristics when irradiated with ultraviolet light
Data Source
AI summary
A display device includes: an exterior base material including a high translucent section configured to allow light to penetrate, and a low translucent section having a lower light transmittance; a first coating layer which is provided on a surface of the high translucent section and has a lower light transmittance than the high translucent section; a second coating layer which is provided on the surface of the high translucent section and has a higher light transmittance than the first coating layer; and a third coating layer which is provided on a surface of the exterior base material including the first coating layer and the second coating layer and has a lower light transmittance than the second coating layer. The third coating layer is configured such that the surface formed on the first coating layers and the second coating layers is flush with the remaining surface.