Transparent Cover Air Layer Bezel Minimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional display devices have a prominent bezel area that appears larger than its actual size due to the design of the transparent cover and black frame, which can detract from the visual appeal and perceived size of the display.

Innovation Solution

A display device configuration featuring a transparent cover with a resin material capable of transmitting light, positioned at the edge of the display panel, and a black frame with varying thicknesses and positions, along with an optical layer and reflective layer, to create air layers and refractive index differences that minimize the apparent size of the bezel area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If a transparent cover and black frame are used in conventional display devices, then the structural integrity and aesthetic appearance are maintained, but the bezel area appears larger than its actual size, detracting from visual appeal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebezel area appearanceVSAvoidtransparent cover and black frame structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the black frame from the traditional structure and replaces it with a transparent cover that extends to the edges of the display panel. This removal of the black frame element eliminates the visual bulk of the bezel area while maintaining structural integrity through the transparent cover design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the color/opacity characteristic from opaque (black frame) to transparent. By making the cover transparent instead of using a black frame, the bezel area becomes visually less prominent, creating the effect of a smaller appearance while maintaining the necessary structural boundaries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

2Shape

If the transparent cover is positioned close to the display panel, then the bezel area appears smaller, but light transmission and optical quality may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebezel area apparent sizeVSAvoidlight transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an air layer as an intermediary between the transparent cover and the display panel. This air layer acts as a spacer that maintains optimal distance for light transmission while still allowing the transparent cover to visually minimize the bezel area. The air layer ensures proper optical coupling without direct contact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Shape

If varying thicknesses of transparent cover are used, then optical effects are improved and bezel appearance is minimized, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical effect and bezel minimizationVSAvoidvarying thickness fabrication
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by varying the thickness of the transparent cover at different locations. The cover has different thicknesses in different regions to create specific optical effects and minimize the bezel appearance in certain areas, while maintaining uniformity in other regions for easier manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements partial variation in thickness rather than complete variation throughout. By applying thickness variation only in specific areas where optical effects are needed, rather than throughout the entire cover, the manufacturing complexity is reduced while still achieving the desired visual minimization of the bezel area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 configuration effectively reduces the perceived size of the bezel area, enhancing the visual appeal by making it appear smaller than its actual size, thereby improving the overall aesthetic and user experience.

Implementation Method 1

a transparent cover including a portion disposed in the front of a front substrate of a display panel... a resin material having transmission capable of transmitting light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

The transparent cover may be separated from a front surface of the front substrate by a predetermined distance. An air layer may be formed between the transparent cover and the front surface of the front substrate.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 3

A reflective layer may be disposed between the transparent cover and the black frame. The reflective layer may contact the black frame.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP2681618B1Display device
Publication Date: 2017.02.01 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP2681618B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2681618B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP2681618B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

A display device includes a display panel including a front substrate and a back substrate, a back cover disposed in the rear of the display panel, and a transparent cover including a portion disposed in the front of the front substrate of the display panel. The transparent cover contains a resin material having transmission capable of transmitting light. The transparent cover is separated from a front surface of the front substrate by a predetermined distance, and an air layer is formed between the transparent cover and the front surface of the front substrate.