Touch Device Frame Integrating Optical Diffuser to Reduce Bezel Height
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing touch-sensitive devices with optical diffusers are expensive to manufacture and install, and the size of the diffuser affects the bezel size, requiring a bulky separate diffusion component that increases the bezel height.
Innovation Solution
An elongate frame with a slot system that integrates an optical component, such as a light diffuser, which is angled and retained by lips and a ridge, reducing the need for a separate diffuser and minimizing bezel height, along with a tool for easy optical component application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a separate diffuser component is used to guide and diffuse light above the touch surface, then light diffusion is achieved, but the bezel height increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the diffuser function directly into the frame structure by forming an optical component recess within the frame body. This merging of the diffuser function into the frame eliminates the need for a separate diffuser component, thereby reducing bezel height while maintaining light diffusion capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial arrangement by positioning the optical component recess at an angle relative to the light emitter. The recess is configured with specific angular orientation to redirect light at desired angles, achieving light diffusion through geometric configuration rather than requiring a separate component positioned above the touch surface.
2Illumination intensity
If a separate diffuser component is used to guide and diffuse light above the touch surface, then light diffusion is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the diffuser function with the frame structure by integrating the optical component recess directly into the frame body. This reduces the total component count and eliminates the need for separate diffuser manufacturing and assembly, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining light diffusion functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support, positions the light emitter, and incorporates the optical component recess for light diffusion. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated diffuser components, simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs.
3Illumination intensity
If the slot is angled with respect to the side wall and top wall, then light is effectively diffused above the touch surface, but the frame structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces angular orientation of the optical component recess relative to the frame walls to achieve effective light diffusion. By configuring the recess at specific angles, the frame redirects light from the emitter at desired angles above the touch surface, achieving effective illumination through geometric configuration rather than additional components.
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 integrated optical component system reduces the bezel height and manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for a separate diffuser, while ensuring effective light diffusion over the touch surface.
Implementation Method 1
a diffuser for propagating the light over the touch surface correctly. The diffuser can be an elongate piece of plastic with a surface having light diffusive properties
Data Source
AI summary
An elongate frame for a touch-sensitive device comprises: a bottom wall, a top wall and a side wall connected therebetween. The elongate frame also comprises a first mounting and a second mounting for respectively fixing at least one light emitter and a touch surface with respect to the frame. The elongate frame also comprises a slot at least partially positioned above the second mounting and the first mounting wherein the slot is arranged to receive an optical component.