Phase-Separated Glass Bezel Hiding via Continuous Light Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for hiding the bezel of electronic devices, such as using arrays of optical fibers, result in increased manufacturing costs and may lead to pixelated images with reduced image contrast and blurring due to their discrete nature.
Innovation Solution
An optical transforming article comprising a phase-separated glass with a continuous network phase and a discontinuous phase, where the relative difference in refractive index is greater than or equal to 0.3%, is used to create a guide region that directs light from the inlet end to the outlet end, effectively hiding the bezel and expanding the viewing angle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If arrays of optical fibers are used to hide the bezel, then the bezel is concealed, but manufacturing costs increase and image quality deteriorates due to pixelated images with reduced contrast and blurring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple discrete optical fibers into a single continuous optical transforming layer. This layer uses phase-separated glass with a continuous network phase and discontinuous phase to guide light continuously across the bezel region, eliminating the pixelated appearance and image degradation caused by discrete fiber arrays while reducing manufacturing complexity and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The optical transforming layer employs composite phase-separated glass material consisting of a continuous network phase and a discontinuous phase with different refractive indices. This composite structure enables continuous light guidance through the bezel region, achieving both cost reduction and improved image quality by eliminating the need for discrete optical fiber arrays
2Ease of operation
If arrays of optical fibers are used to hide the bezel, then the bezel is concealed, but the discrete nature of fibers causes pixelated images with reduced image contrast and blurring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple discrete optical fibers into a single continuous optical transforming layer. This layer uses phase-separated glass with a continuous network phase and discontinuous phase to guide light continuously across the bezel region, eliminating the pixelated appearance and image degradation caused by discrete fiber arrays while reducing manufacturing complexity and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The optical transforming layer provides homogeneous light guidance across the entire bezel region through its continuous phase-separated glass structure. This homogeneity ensures consistent optical properties throughout the layer, eliminating the variations and discontinuities inherent in discrete fiber arrays that cause pixelation and image degradation
3Ease of manufacture
If a continuous optical transforming layer with phase-separated glass is used, then manufacturing costs are reduced and image quality is improved, but the optical properties must be precisely controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the phase-separated glass material, specifically the refractive index difference between the continuous network phase and discontinuous phase (Δn ≥ 0.003). This parameter control enables effective light guidance through the bezel region while maintaining manufacturing feasibility. The elongated shape parameters of the discontinuous phase regions (aspect ratio ≥ 10:1) further optimize light guidance properties
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 allows for the customization of the optical transforming article to tailor the optical properties, reducing manufacturing costs and enhancing image contrast and clarity by guiding light around the bezel, thereby improving the aesthetics and functionality of electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
the guide region comprises: phase-separated glass comprising a continuous network phase and a discontinuous phase, wherein a relative difference in index of refraction between the continuous network phase and the discontinuous phase is greater than or equal to 0.3%
Implementation Method 2
the discontinuous phase comprises elongated shaped regions aligned along a common axis and having an aspect ratio greater than or equal to 100:1
Data Source
AI summary
An article includes an optical transforming layer and a guide region positioned inside and adjacent to at least a portion of a perimeter of the optical transforming layer. The guide region comprises an inlet end positioned adjacent to a first surface of the optical transforming layer and an outlet end positioned adjacent a second surface of the optical transforming layer. The guide region propagates light from the inlet end to the outlet end such that the light is directed from the first surface to the second surface. The guide region includes a phase-separated glass comprising a continuous network phase and a discontinuous phase. A relative difference in index of refraction between the continuous network phase and the discontinuous phase is greater than or equal to 0.3%. The discontinuous phase comprises elongated shaped regions aligned along a common axis and having an aspect ratio greater than or equal to 10:1.