Lightguide Reflective Surfaces Space Efficient Component Configurations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices face challenges in optimizing space usage within their form factors for efficient component configurations, particularly in the placement of light sources and sensors for touch control, leading to inefficient use of space and potential damage to the device.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a lightguide with reflective surfaces and a non-parallel orientation of light sources and sensors, which directs light from a light source to a sensor across the display surface, eliminating the need for an air gap and allowing for space-efficient component placement while maintaining effective touch control and protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If light sources and sensors are placed close together for space efficiency, then space usage is improved, but device protection and touch control effectiveness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a lightguide layer that redirects light paths in three-dimensional space, allowing light sources and sensors to be positioned closer together while maintaining effective touch detection. The lightguide uses reflective surfaces to bend light paths, effectively using the third dimension to resolve the spatial conflict between compact component placement and functional performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The lightguide acts as an intermediary component between the light source and sensor, enabling them to be placed in close proximity while still maintaining effective light transmission for touch control. The lightguide mediates the light path, allowing compact configuration without compromising touch detection effectiveness or device protection.
2Area of stationary object
If light sources and sensors are placed close together, then space efficiency is improved, but light transmission effectiveness for touch control may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The lightguide layer utilizes three-dimensional light path manipulation through reflective surfaces, enabling light to travel effective distances despite close component placement. By bending light paths in multiple dimensions rather than using straight lines, the system maintains light transmission effectiveness while achieving compact component configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the system by introducing a lightguide with specific reflective properties. This modifies how light propagates through the device, enabling effective light transmission over shorter physical distances between light sources and sensors, thus maintaining measurement precision while improving space efficiency.
3Reliability
If traditional component placement is used, then device protection is maintained, but space efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lightguide enables compact component placement by utilizing three-dimensional light path manipulation, allowing the device to achieve better space efficiency without compromising protection. The reflective surfaces within the lightguide maintain functional performance while enabling closer component positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functions into the lightguide component, which simultaneously provides light transmission, path redirection, and protective functionality. This consolidation allows for more efficient space utilization while maintaining device protection, as the lightguide serves multiple purposes in a single integrated component.
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 space efficiency by reducing unnecessary spacing and protects the device from damage while maintaining effective light-based touch control and illumination, improving user experience and device durability.
Implementation Method 1
The lightguide may include one or more reflective surfaces that cooperatively direct the light emitted by the light source to the front surface of the display, across at least a portion of the front surface of the display, and to the light sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Some implementations include electronic devices having space efficient component configurations. In some instances, an electronic device may include an electronic display, a light source, and a lightguide having one or more reflective surfaces. This disclosure describes, in part, configurations of these and other components that create opportunities for efficiently using space associated with the electronic device.