Electrically Controllable Transparency Layer for Display Hiding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic devices face challenges in aesthetically hiding their displays in power save or off modes without consuming significant power, as traditional methods like using doors or structures are cumbersome and not feasible in all cases.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with an electrically controllable transparency layer, which can be applied to cover part or all of a device's surface, allowing for automatic hiding of the display when not in use, using materials like polymer network liquid crystal or Onyx™, and controlled by electrical contacts to switch between transparent and opaque states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a display is hidden behind rolling or hinged doors or decorative structures, then the appearance in power save or off mode is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a layer with electrically controllable transparency that changes its optical properties between transparent and opaque states. This allows the display to be hidden or revealed electronically without mechanical structures, resolving the contradiction between improved appearance and reduced device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical hiding mechanisms (rolling or hinged doors) with an electrically controllable transparent layer. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical components while achieving the same aesthetic effect, thereby improving appearance while reducing device complexity
2Shape
If a display is hidden behind rolling or hinged doors or decorative structures, then the appearance in power save or off mode is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations (opening/closing doors) with automatic electrical control of the transparent layer. The layer can be switched between transparent and opaque states through electrical signals, eliminating the need for user interaction with mechanical components and thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining aesthetic appearance
Solution Approach 2:
The system can automatically control the transparency layer based on display state, hiding the display when it is in power save or off mode without requiring user intervention. This self-service capability improves ease of operation by eliminating manual操作步骤 while maintaining the desired aesthetic appearance
3Ease of operation
If the display is left visible in power save or off mode, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a layer that changes its transparency state to improve appearance without affecting ease of operation. The layer can be electrically switched to provide aesthetic hiding when needed, while the system remains easy to operate through automatic or simple electrical control
4Shape
If mechanical structures are used to hide the display, then the appearance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical hiding structures with an electrically controllable transparent layer. This eliminates complex mechanical components such as rolling or hinged doors while achieving the same aesthetic effect through electrical control, thereby improving appearance while reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a layer that changes its optical properties between transparent and opaque states through electrical control. This provides aesthetic hiding functionality without requiring mechanical structures, resolving the contradiction between improved appearance and reduced device complexity
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
Enables the display to be hidden effortlessly without user intervention, reducing power consumption and providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance, while allowing for informative or decorative capabilities when needed, suitable for both portable and stationary devices.
Implementation Method 1
The layer comprises a material which has an electrically controllable transparency
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a layer including a material which has an electrically controllable transparency. At least a part of the layer is arranged to cover at least a part of a surface of a display. The apparatus further includes electrical contacts arranged to enable an electrical control of the transparency of the layer. When employing such an apparatus, it may be determined which appearance the layer is to assume. The transparency of the layer can then be controlled in accordance with the determined appearance.