Perpendicular Proximity Sensor and Curved Receiver for Mobile Bezel Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing design of mobile terminals is limited by the size of the upper bezel due to the placement of proximity illuminance sensors and receivers, which interferes with the minimization of the bezel size and can affect high-frequency band performance.

Innovation Solution

The proximity illuminance sensor is arranged perpendicular to the display with a reflective surface to redirect light, and the receiver is positioned at the rear surface of the display with a curved sound passage to reduce the upper bezel size while maintaining high-frequency performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the proximity illuminance sensor is disposed on a front surface without overlapping the display, then the sensor can function properly, but the upper bezel size cannot be minimized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor functionVSAvoidupper bezel size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The proximity illuminance sensor is arranged in the thickness direction (perpendicular to the display surface) rather than on the front surface plane. This dimensional change allows the sensor to be positioned within the display assembly without occupying front surface space, enabling bezel minimization while maintaining sensor functionality through light reflection off the display surface.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The proximity illuminance sensor is nested within the display assembly structure, positioned at the rear surface of the display. The sensor module is integrated into the existing display layers, allowing it to occupy space within the display thickness rather than requiring separate front surface space, thus reducing the upper bezel size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Device complexity

If the receiver is disposed at a non-overlapped area with the display to shorten the sound passage, then the receiver position is simplified, but the upper bezel size cannot be minimized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereceiver positionVSAvoidupper bezel size
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The receiver is positioned at the rear surface of the display (in the thickness direction) rather than on the front surface plane. This allows the sound passage to extend upward through the display assembly to the front surface, shortening the effective sound path while enabling the receiver to occupy space within the display assembly and reduce the upper bezel size.

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

3Device complexity

If the sound passage is made straight to reduce complexity, then the structure is simpler, but high-frequency band performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound passage structureVSAvoidhigh-frequency band performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sound passage is formed with a curved shape rather than a straight line. This curvature allows the sound wave to propagate smoothly while maintaining acoustic performance, particularly for high-frequency bands that are sensitive to abrupt changes in direction. The curved path reduces acoustic impedance and prevents sound leakage while keeping the structure relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 allows for a reduced upper bezel size in mobile terminals while preventing sound leakage and maintaining high-frequency band performance.

Implementation Method 1

A light-reflecting surface is provided to have a reflectivity and a shape that is configured to redirect light that enters the enclosure structure of electronic device onto the proximity illuminance sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3166229B1Proximity illuminance sensor module and mobile terminal using same
Publication Date: 2023.12.06 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3166229B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3166229B1 patent drawingFigure 1B~1C
  • EP3166229B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a proximity illuminance sensor and a mobile terminal using the same, and disclosed is the mobile terminal of which an upper bezel can be shortened by using: the proximity illuminance (IR) sensor disposed on the rear surface of a front case and disposed to be perpendicular to a display unit; and a light reflector disposed at one side of the proximity illuminance sensor, such that light is incident to the proximity illuminance sensor or emitted from the proximity illuminance sensor to the outside.