Narrow Bezel Smartphone Bracket Assembly via Snap-Fit Protrusion

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Solution Overview

Problem

The assembly of display screens and cover plates in smartphones with extremely narrow bezels is challenging due to the reduced space, which complicates the manufacturing process and affects the screen-to-body ratio and user experience.

Innovation Solution

The design includes a display screen assembly with a bracket, a cover plate, and a decoration enclosure, where the cover plate is laminated with an optically clear adhesive, and the decoration enclosure is joined with the cover plate through in-mold injection molding, allowing for secure assembly even with narrow bezels, and the black-ink edge is minimized for improved aesthetics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of moving object

If the bezel is made narrower to increase screen-to-body ratio, then the display area is increased and user experience is improved, but the difficulty of assembling display screen and cover plate increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay areaVSAvoidassembly difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into distinct modular components: display screen assembly, cover plate, and decorative enclosure that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. The bracket is also segmented into a body portion and a bent portion that can be formed separately before being joined together, allowing each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall compactness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs nested structures where the display screen is mounted on the bracket, the cover plate covers the display screen, and the decorative enclosure surrounds the bracket assembly. The bent portion of the bracket is nested within the decorative enclosure, creating a compact layered arrangement that maximizes space utilization while maintaining assembly feasibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Area of moving object

If the bezel is made narrower to increase screen-to-body ratio, then the visual appearance is improved, but the space for assembly components is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescreen-to-body ratioVSAvoidassembly space
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket utilizes a three-dimensional bent portion that extends vertically from the bottom wall, creating additional assembly space in the vertical dimension rather than requiring horizontal space. This allows the assembly components to be arranged in multiple layers vertically, maintaining a compact horizontal footprint while providing sufficient volume for assembly operations.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket is designed with a thin-walled structure that provides sufficient structural support while minimizing material usage and occupied volume. The bent portion forms a flexible-like enclosure that accommodates assembly components without requiring excessive space, enabling narrow bezel design while maintaining assembly feasibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 design facilitates easier assembly and increased screen-to-body ratio, enhancing user experience by simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing production costs while providing a more artistic and visually appealing device.

Implementation Method 1

a cover plate (16) having a bottom surface joined with the top surface of the display screen

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

the decoration enclosure is joined with the cover plate through in-mold injection molding

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIn-mold injection molding: 3D Printing

Implementation Method 3

the protrusion is snapped into the groove to couple the rear cover with the decoration enclosure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical interlocking: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP3487157B1Electronic device
Publication Date: 2020.01.29 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
  • EP3487157B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3487157B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3487157B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to an electronic device. The electronic device includes a display screen assembly (10) and a rear cover (20), the display screen assembly (10) including: a bracket (12) having a bottom wall (122) and a side wall (124) bending from the bottom wall (122); a display screen (14) having a top surface (144) and a bottom surface (146), the bottom surface (146) of the display screen (14) being provided on the bottom wall (122) of the bracket (12); a decoration enclosure (18) comprising a first joining part (182) and a second joining part (184) coupled to each other, the second joining part (184) having a first side and a second side opposite to the first side. The second joining part (184) is joined to the side wall (124) of the bracket (12) at the first side and provided with a protrusion (186) at the second side, the rear cover (20) has a groove (22), and the protrusion (186) is snapped into the groove (22).