Through-Hole Display Assembly for Camera Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

As mobile terminals become more feature-rich, the size constraint limits the display area, making it challenging to accommodate additional components like cameras and sensors without reducing the screen size or increasing the device's dimensions.

Innovation Solution

A terminal display assembly that includes a display screen with a through hole, a light-transmission cover plate, and a seal ring, allowing optical means like cameras to be mounted within the display screen without occupying additional space, while the seal ring prevents dust and light leakage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If more components are disposed on the mobile terminal face where the screen is mounted, then the functionality of the mobile terminal is improved, but the display area of the screen is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoiddisplay area
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent embeds the camera module within a through-hole formed in the display screen structure. The camera module is nested inside the display assembly, specifically positioned within the through-hole that penetrates through the display screen, adhesive layer, and protective layer, allowing the camera to be integrated without occupying additional external space or reducing the display area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a two-dimensional surface mounting approach to a three-dimensional integration by creating a through-hole that penetrates through the display layers. This allows the camera module to be positioned in the depth dimension (z-axis) rather than only on the surface plane, enabling component integration without sacrificing display area.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If a camera module is mounted on the mobile terminal, then the functionality is improved, but the device size or display area is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoiddisplay area
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The camera module is nested within the display assembly structure by forming a through-hole through the display screen, adhesive layer, and protective layer. This nesting approach allows the camera to be housed inside the display assembly boundaries, eliminating the need for separate camera housing space and maintaining full display area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the camera module integration with the display screen structure by forming a through-hole that penetrates through multiple display layers. The camera module becomes an integrated part of the display assembly rather than a separate component, combining the functions of display and camera within a unified structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If openings are formed in the display screen for camera mounting, then the camera can be integrated, but dust may enter and light may leak

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent integrationVSAvoiddust and light leakage
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a seal ring as an intermediary component that is disposed around the camera module within the through-hole. The seal ring acts as a mediator between the camera module and the external environment, preventing dust from entering through the through-hole opening while also blocking stray light from leaking into areas where it should not reach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The seal ring functions as a flexible sealing element that conforms to the camera module and through-hole geometry. This flexible sealing structure effectively blocks dust particles and light rays while maintaining the integrity of the through-hole opening for camera operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentEP3561566B1Terminal display assembly and mobile terminal
Publication Date: 2021.07.07 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
  • EP3561566B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3561566B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3561566B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A terminal display assembly (200) may include a display screen (22), a light-transmission cover plate (21) and a seal ring (27). The display screen (22) may define a through hole (221) penetrating the display screen (22) in a thickness direction of the display screen (22). The light-transmission cover plate (21) may be disposed on the display screen (22) and cover the through hole (221). The seal ring (27) may be disposed on the light-transmission cover plate (21) and located in the through hole (221). Display areas of the terminal display assembly (200) can be increased.