Seal-Integrated Light Source for Wearable Display Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable devices with reflective liquid crystal display panels face reduced visibility in low light environments, and existing solutions that add a front light increase device size, making them unsuitable for wearable designs.
Innovation Solution
A display device with a light source integrated into the seal between the substrates, allowing the seal to function as both a sealing layer and a light source, eliminating the need for a separate substrate for the front light and maintaining a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a front light is provided separately from the liquid crystal display panel, then visibility in low light environments is improved, but device size is enlarged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light source function with the seal structure by integrating a light-emitting element into the seal that bonds the first and second substrates. This combination eliminates the need for a separate front light substrate, thereby improving visibility in low light environments while maintaining a compact device size suitable for wearable applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal structure is given multiple functions: it simultaneously serves as a bonding element to seal the liquid crystal layer and as a light source for illumination. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by eliminating the need for additional components while achieving both sealing and illumination purposes.
2Illumination intensity
If a separate substrate for the front light is provided, then illumination function is added, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light source and seal into a single integrated structure, reducing the number of separate components and assembly steps. The light-emitting element is incorporated into the seal that bonds the substrates, simplifying the manufacturing process while adding the illumination function.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal structure performs dual functions as both a bonding/sealing element and a light source. This multi-functionality reduces manufacturing complexity by eliminating the need to manufacture and assemble a separate front light substrate, streamlining the production process.
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 enhances visibility in low light conditions without enlarging the device, reduces manufacturing processes, and conserves power by only activating the light source upon touch detection, improving touch sensitivity and image luminance.
Implementation Method 1
a light source disposed at a position overlapping the seal in a planar view. The light source is sealed by the seal
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a display device includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a liquid crystal layer and a seal. The second substrate is opposed to the first substrate. The liquid crystal layer is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The seal bonds the first substrate to the second substrate together and seals the liquid crystal layer. The first substrate includes a light source disposed at a position overlapping the seal in a planar view. The light source is sealed by the seal.