Thermochromic Design Layer for Seamless Display Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional information display apparatuses have reduced designability due to visible boundaries between the liquid crystal panel and the housing, and when no information is displayed, the presence of the display area is easily recognized, potentially affecting driver safety in in-vehicle applications.
Innovation Solution
A display apparatus with a design layer containing a substance with temperature-dependent light transmittance, a heat source layer generating temperature changes, and a gradation region for improved designability, allowing information to be selectively displayed by controlling light transmittance, and incorporating natural materials for enhanced aesthetics and functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a liquid crystal panel is installed in a housing with a rectangular hole, then information can be displayed, but the boundary between the panel and housing becomes visible reducing designability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a design layer containing thermochromic material that changes light transmittance based on temperature. When heated, the material transitions from a light-blocking state to a light-transmissive state, causing the boundary between the display unit and housing to become invisible. This dynamic color/transparency change resolves the contradiction by making the boundary visible only when needed for manufacturing/assembly while being invisible during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameter (light transmittance) of the design layer by controlling temperature. The thermochromic material's light transmittance parameter is dynamically adjusted through thermal activation, transforming the boundary from visible to invisible state. This parameter change enables the housing and display unit to appear seamlessly integrated while maintaining manufacturing ease.
2Loss of information
If the display area is made visible, then information can be recognized, but driver safety is compromised when no information is displayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the display area dynamically controllable through temperature-based light transmittance changes. The design layer can switch between transparent and opaque states, allowing the display area to be visible when information needs to be displayed and invisible when not in use. This dynamic control eliminates the need for physical covers while maintaining driver safety by keeping the display area hidden during normal driving.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermochromic design layer acts as an intermediary between the liquid crystal panel and the external environment. It controls the visibility of the display area by changing its light transmittance properties based on temperature, serving as a smart window that protects driver safety while enabling information display when needed.
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 designability by seamlessly integrating the display unit with the housing, allowing information to be hidden when not in use, thereby improving safety and aesthetic appeal, particularly in vehicle-mounted applications.
Implementation Method 1
the design layer contains a substance having light transmittance changing due to a temperature change
Implementation Method 2
a heat source layer laminated on the display unit
Implementation Method 3
a display unit disposed on a surface of a main body case and displaying information
Data Source
AI summary
A display apparatus of the present disclosure includes: a display unit disposed on a surface of a main body case and displaying information; a heat source layer laminated on the display unit; and a design layer laminated on the heat source layer, wherein the design layer contains a substance having light transmittance changing due to a temperature change and forms a light transmittance change region having light transmittance changing in accordance with a temperature change of the heat source layer, and a gradation region having light transmittance changing in a gradational manner along an outer periphery of the light transmittance change region.