Infrared Sensor Light Guiding Element for Full-Screen Display

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Solution Overview

Problem

In full-screen mobile phones, the narrow bezel between the housing and display screen assembly lacks sufficient space for infrared sensors, compromising the strength and reliability of the electronic device due to the need for holes for emitting and receiving infrared light signals.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device design featuring an infrared sensor located below the display screen with a light blocking element between the emitter and the display area, allowing infrared light to penetrate and be received without entering the display area, ensuring the sensor's functionality and the screen's stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If infrared sensors are installed in the bezel area to enable proximity detection, then the sensor functionality is achieved, but the screen-to-body ratio decreases and the structural strength is compromised due to holes in the bezel

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor functionalityVSAvoidscreen-to-body ratio
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The infrared sensor is relocated from the traditional bezel area (2D plane) to the back panel area (different spatial dimension), allowing the sensor to function without compromising the front display area or bezel structural integrity. The light guiding element extends the sensor's detection capability through the display assembly from the back side.

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

Solution Approach 2:

A light guiding element is introduced as an intermediary component between the infrared sensor and the display area. This element guides infrared light through the display assembly, enabling the sensor to detect proximity through the screen without requiring holes in the bezel or compromising structural strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If holes are created in the bezel for infrared light transmission, then the sensor can detect proximity signals, but the structural strength and reliability of the electronic device decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproximity detection capabilityVSAvoidbezel structural strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor assembly is positioned on the back panel (different dimension from the front bezel), eliminating the need for holes in the front bezel structure. The light guiding element creates an optical path through the display assembly that does not require physical openings in the load-bearing bezel.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The light guiding element serves as a mediator that transmits infrared light through the display assembly without requiring holes in the bezel. This intermediary component preserves the structural integrity of the bezel while enabling proximity detection functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Volume of moving object

If the infrared sensor is positioned close to the display area for compact design, then space is saved, but infrared light may interfere with the display quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice compactnessVSAvoidinfrared light interference with display
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The light guiding element acts as a mediator that directs infrared light specifically toward the sensor while preventing it from reaching the display area. This intermediary structure enables compact positioning of the sensor near the display without causing light interference, as the light path is controlled and contained within the guiding element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The light guiding element creates a localized optical path that confines infrared light to a specific trajectory toward the sensor. This localized light guidance prevents infrared light from spreading into the display area, allowing the sensor to be positioned close to the display without causing interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 maintains the full-screen effect while preventing infrared light from interfering with the display and enhancing the device's reliability and power management by accurately detecting user proximity and adjusting the screen's backlight.

Implementation Method 1

a light guiding element arranged adjacent to the second surface, the light guiding element being configured to transmit light, penetrating the non-display area from the first surface, to the light sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Implementation Method 2

An infrared sensor located below the display screen with a light blocking element between the emitter and the display area, allowing infrared light to penetrate and be received without entering the display area

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInfrared light emission and transmission: Infrared Radiation

Data Source

PatentEP3694192B1Electronic device with display screen, infrared sensor and light sensor
Publication Date: 2021.02.17 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
  • EP3694192B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3694192B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3694192B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present disclosure provides an electronic device and a manufacturing method thereof. The electronic device includes: a display screen, the display screen including a display area and a non-display area surrounding the display area; a light sensor arranged below the display area; and a light guiding element arranged below the display screen, the light guiding element being configured to transmit light penetrating the non-display area to the light sensor.