Under-Screen Optical Key Structure for Full-Screen OLED Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lateral mechanical keys on electronic devices limit the application of large-area curved and foldable designs, affecting the screen-to-body ratio and aesthetics, especially with the integration of flexible OLED screens.
Innovation Solution
A key structure is implemented within the electronic device using an under-screen unit with a light-shielding unit, a light-emitting unit, an optical unit, and a sensing unit, allowing for a hidden key pattern on the OLED screen that does not occupy external space, enabling key functionality without compromising the screen-to-body ratio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a physical mechanical key is disposed on the lateral side of the electronic device, then the key function is provided, but the screen-to-body ratio and appearance integrity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an optical unit to project a virtual key pattern image onto the OLED screen surface, creating a visual copy of the key function without physical protrusion. The light-emitting unit illuminates the key pattern area, and the optical unit forms the key image on the screen, providing key functionality while maintaining screen integrity and maximizing screen-to-body ratio.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical key structure with an optical-based system. Instead of a physical mechanical key that protrudes from the device, the invention uses a light-emitting unit, optical unit, and sensing unit to create a virtual key pattern on the screen that responds to touch operations, substituting mechanical interaction with optical and sensing mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If a physical mechanical key is disposed on the lateral side of the electronic device, then the key function is provided, but the aesthetics and design integrity are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual copy of the key function through the optical unit that projects the key pattern image onto the screen. This virtual representation maintains the aesthetic integrity of the device surface while providing the necessary key functionality through optical projection and touch sensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention substitutes the mechanical key structure with an optical-sensing system that maintains the smooth, intact appearance of the device surface. The light-emitting unit and optical unit create the key pattern without physical protrusion, preserving the aesthetic design while enabling key operations through touch interaction.
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 solution allows for key functionality within the device without external key protrusions, enhancing aesthetics and screen-to-body ratio while maintaining key functionality, particularly suitable for devices with flexible OLED screens.
Implementation Method 1
a light-emitting unit, disposed in the accommodation space; an optical unit, disposed in the accommodation space, and located between the OLED screen and the light-emitting unit, where light emitted by the light-emitting unit forms a preset key pattern on the OLED screen after passing through the optical unit
Implementation Method 2
a light-shielding unit, disposed on a side that is of the under-screen unit and that faces back from the OLED screen, where the light-shielding unit contains an accommodation space with a notch
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides a key structure applied to an electronic device the electronic device includes an OLED screen and an under-screen unit, a through-hole is provided at a preset position of the under-screen unit, and the key structure includes: a light-shielding unit disposed on a side that is of the under-screen unit and facing back from the OLED screen, and fixedly connected to the under-screen unit, the light-shielding unit contains an accommodation space with a notch, and the notch is in communication with the through-hole; a light-emitting unit disposed in the accommodation space; an optical unit disposed in the accommodation space and located between the OLED screen and the light-emitting unit, wherein light emitted by the light-emitting unit forms a preset key pattern on the OLED screen after passing through the optical unit; and a sensing unit located on one side of the light-shielding unit.