Transparent Protector Stack for Impact Resistant Electro-Optical Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electro-optical modules, such as liquid crystal display units, suffer from limited impact resistance and increased thickness due to the need for a gap between the window and the panel for protection, which hinders the development of thinner, more resilient display devices.
Innovation Solution
A stack structure comprising a first transparent protection layer with a low dynamic elasticity value and a second layer with a higher dynamic elasticity value is applied on the viewer-side surface of the electro-optical panel, effectively diffusing and absorbing impact stress, thereby enhancing impact resistance without increasing thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a gap is provided between the window and the liquid crystal panel to prevent impact transmission, then impact resistance is improved, but the thickness of the electronic device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a polarization film with an extended portion that acts as a flexible support structure. The extension is bent along a curvature radius to provide mechanical support to the liquid crystal panel while maintaining a thin profile, eliminating the need for a thick gap structure
Solution Approach 2:
The support function is achieved by extending the polarization film in a spatial dimension beyond the panel boundaries. The extended portion is positioned at the peripheral side and bent to provide support, utilizing three-dimensional spatial arrangement rather than increasing linear thickness
2Reliability
If transparent elastic resin is used to support the liquid crystal panel, then impact absorption is improved, but the thickness of the electronic device increases due to required material thickness and space behind the panel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the polarization film itself as a flexible support structure rather than adding separate transparent elastic resin layers. The film's inherent flexibility and the bent extension provide impact absorption without requiring additional thick material layers
Solution Approach 2:
The polarization film serves dual functions: its extended and bent portion provides both mechanical support to the liquid crystal panel and maintains the thin profile requirement. This eliminates the need for separate support structures that would increase thickness
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
This configuration improves impact resistance by 20% or more per 0.1 mm of the transparent protector, allowing for a thinner and more robust display unit, particularly beneficial in portable devices like mobile phones.
Implementation Method 1
a first transparent protection layer that faces the electro-optical panel and is formed of an elastic material
Implementation Method 2
a second transparent protection layer that has a higher dynamic elasticity value than that of the first transparent protection layer within a frequency range of 1 to 10 Hz
Data Source
AI summary
An electro-optical module includes: an electro-optical panel; and a transparent protector disposed on a viewer-side surface of the electro-optical panel, wherein transparent protector has a stack structure including a first transparent protection layer that faces the electro-optical panel and is formed of an elastic material and a second transparent protection layer that has a higher dynamic elasticity value than that of the first transparent protection layer within a frequency range of 1 to 10 Hz.