Liquid Crystal Module Backlight Opening for Narrower Sensor Black Edges

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Solution Overview

Problem

The current design of under-screen sensors in terminals results in wide black edges due to liquid crystal and backlight openings, affecting the aesthetics of the terminal.

Innovation Solution

Only the backlight assembly is punched, with a light-shielding layer on the sidewall of the opening, eliminating the need for liquid crystal edge sealing and reducing the width of the black edge by minimizing the area occupied by the light-shielding layer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If both liquid crystal layer and backlight assembly are punched to form through hole structure, then sensor can be disposed below display screen, but black edge width becomes too wide affecting aesthetics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor placement capabilityVSAvoidblack edge width
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the opening structure into two separate openings: opening A in the liquid crystal layer and opening B in the backlight assembly, rather than forming a single through hole. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each opening and eliminates the need for liquid crystal edge sealing, thereby reducing black edge width while maintaining sensor placement capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the light-shielding function from the traditional through hole structure and places it in a separate light-shielding layer positioned at opening B of the backlight assembly. This extraction allows the liquid crystal layer to maintain its integrity without edge sealing, reducing the black edge width while still providing necessary light-shielding for the sensor

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If liquid crystal edge sealing treatment is applied to opening A, then liquid crystal layer integrity is maintained, but black edge width increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid crystal layer integrityVSAvoidblack edge width
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the light-shielding function from the through hole structure and places it in a separate light-shielding layer at opening B. This allows opening A in the liquid crystal layer to remain without edge sealing while still providing necessary light-shielding, thereby maintaining integrity without increasing black edge width

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a light-shielding layer as an intermediary element positioned at opening B of the backlight assembly. This intermediary provides the necessary light-shielding function without requiring edge sealing of the liquid crystal layer, thereby maintaining both integrity and aesthetic appearance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If light-shielding layer is disposed on sidewall of first opening, then support structure is not required, but area occupied by light-shielding layer increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport structure requirementVSAvoidarea occupied by light-shielding layer
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a thin film-like light-shielding layer that can be directly disposed on the sidewall of opening B without requiring additional support structures. This thin film approach provides effective light-shielding while occupying minimal area, maintaining both structural simplicity and functional effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentEP3715941B1Terminal and liquid crystal module
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO LTD
  • EP3715941B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3715941B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3715941B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present disclosure discloses a terminal and a liquid crystal module, and belongs to the field of display technology. The terminal includes: a liquid crystal display screen (200) and a sensor (202). The liquid crystal display screen (200) includes a liquid crystal layer (201) and a backlight assembly (203) below the liquid crystal layer (201). A first opening (210) is formed in the backlight assembly (203). The sidewall of the first opening (210) is provided with a light-shielding layer (204). The sensor (202) is installed inside or below the first opening (210), and the light-shielding layer (204) is configured to prevent the light emitted by the backlight assembly (203) from interfering with the sensor (202).