Movable Reflector Display Layout for Full-Screen Camera Phones

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Solution Overview

Problem

The screen-to-body ratio of terminal devices is relatively low due to the presence of components like cameras and sensors, which restrict the display area, and solutions such as housing holes compromise appearance and waterproofing.

Innovation Solution

A terminal device with a movable reflection part that switches between optical and display modes, using a secondary display assembly to reflect information through a light transmitting hole, allowing independent operation of optical and display components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a hole is disposed on the display assembly to place the camera under the display, then the camera can perform imaging, but the hole area cannot be displayed and the screen-to-body ratio remains low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecamera imaging functionVSAvoidscreen-to-body ratio
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the light transmitting hole movable through a driving mechanism. The hole can switch between a first position (allowing camera imaging) and a second position (allowing display coverage). This dynamic repositioning resolves the contradiction by enabling the same space to serve different functions at different times, thereby maintaining both camera functionality and high screen-to-body ratio.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a hole is disposed on the housing to allow camera entry and exit, then the camera can be installed, but the housing integrity is damaged and appearance quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecamera installationVSAvoidhousing integrity and appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the light transmitting hole from the housing structure and relocates it to the display assembly. The hole is no longer a permanent feature of the housing but is instead integrated with the display and can be positioned only when needed. This extraction resolves the contradiction by eliminating the need for permanent housing openings, thereby preserving housing integrity and appearance while still enabling camera functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a hole is disposed on the housing for camera access, then the camera can function, but waterproof and dust-proof performance is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecamera accessVSAvoidwaterproof and dust-proof performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By extracting the light transmitting hole from the housing and integrating it with the display assembly, the patent eliminates permanent openings in the housing structure. The hole only exists in the display assembly where it is needed for optical function, and can be covered or repositioned when not in use. This resolves the waterproof and dust-proof issue by removing the vulnerability point from the housing while maintaining camera access capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

Increases the screen-to-body ratio by utilizing display area without compromising housing integrity or waterproofing, enhancing appearance quality and functionality.

Implementation Method 1

a reflection part capable of rotating, the reflection part movably connected to the housing, the reflection part used for reflecting information displayed by the secondary display assembly to the light transmitting hole

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3972228B1Terminal device
Publication Date: 2025.11.12 VIVO MOBILE COMM CO LTD
  • EP3972228B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3972228B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3972228B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a terminal device, and the terminal device includes: a housing; a display assembly, disposed on a housing and provided with a light transmitting hole; an optical component, disposed in a housing and opposite to the light transmitting hole; a secondary display assembly, disposed in the housing; a reflection part, movably disposed in the housing; and a drive component, disposed in the housing, connected to the reflection part, and driving the reflection part to move between a first state and a second state, where in the first state, the reflection part is located outside an optical channel between the optical component and the light transmitting hole, and in the second state, and the reflection part is located between the light transmitting hole and the optical component, and reflects, to the light transmitting hole, light emitted by the secondary display assembly.