Optical Structure for Large Area Display in Electronic Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Large area displays face limitations in compactness and manufacturing cost due to the need for improved mounting structures and additional pixels in the bezel area, which can compromise the slimness and aesthetics of electronic devices.

Innovation Solution

An optical structure is implemented within the electronic device to generate ambient light around the active display area, making it appear larger and enhancing the viewing experience while allowing for a more compact design by hiding interconnection wires and components in a non-active area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the active display area is expanded to create a large area display, then the visual impact and viewing experience are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase due to additional pixels and mounting structures required in the bezel area

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactive display areaVSAvoidmounting structures and interconnection wires
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the light-guiding function from the traditional bezel area mounting structures and relocates it to an optical film layer. This separates the display expansion function from the complex mounting infrastructure, allowing the active area to appear larger without proportionally increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

An optical film is introduced as an intermediary element between the display pixels and the viewer. This film mediates the light distribution to create the effect of an expanded active area without requiring physical expansion of the pixel array or complex bezel mounting structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Area of stationary object

If additional pixels and mounting structures are added to support a large area display, then the display quality is improved, but the device thickness and compactness deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactive display areaVSAvoiddevice thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical mounting structures (bezel frameworks, wire harnesses) with an optical film-based solution. This substitution eliminates the need for thick structural support elements, maintaining device slimness while achieving the large area display effect through optical manipulation rather than mechanical expansion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional mounting structures are used in the bezel area, then interconnection wires and components can be accommodated, but the design aesthetics and compactness are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent mounting capabilityVSAvoiddevice aesthetics and slimness
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent moves the light-guiding function from the lateral bezel dimension to the optical film layer dimension. This dimensional shift allows component accommodation and light distribution functions to coexist without compromising the sleek, minimalist aesthetic of the device front surface.

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

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

The solution creates an immersive viewing environment and improves design aesthetics by making the active display area appear larger, while also reducing manufacturing costs and maintaining a slim form factor.

Implementation Method 1

an optical structure formed in an area of the electronic device... generate ambient light around an active display area

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentEP3628073B1Electronic device including optical structure
Publication Date: 2021.04.21 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3628073B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3628073B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3628073B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a housing including a window disposed in at least a partial area of the housing and forming at least a portion of an outer surface of the electronic device, a touch screen display including an active area and a non-active area and accommodated in the housing such that at least a portion of the touch screen display is visually exposed through the window, at least one processor accommodated in the housing and electrically connected to the touch screen display, a memory accommodated in the housing and electrically connected to the at least one processor, and an optical layer disposed between the touch screen display and the window. A portion of a surface area of the optical layer that faces the active area of the touch screen display is formed in a bumpy structure.