Waveguide Display Coupling for Electronic Device Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Designing a housing structure for electronic devices that can accommodate all required input, output, and communication devices is challenging, especially when the display device is too large or interferes with other components, leading to issues like size constraints and electromagnetic compatibility problems.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device features a display device mounted on a circuit board away from the instrument panel, with a waveguide, such as prisms, mirrors, or optical fibers, that guides light or images from the display area to a display opening on the instrument panel, allowing for size adjustment and reducing interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the display device is mounted directly on the instrument panel, then the display size can be maximized, but the device interferes with other components and causes electromagnetic compatibility problems
Solution Approach 1:
A waveguide is introduced as an intermediary component between the display device and the instrument panel. The waveguide transfers optical information from the display device to the panel while electrically isolating the two components, thereby resolving the electromagnetic compatibility issue while maintaining display functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The display system is segmented into separate functional components: the display device is mounted on the circuit board away from the panel, while the waveguide acts as a separate transmission medium. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and reduces interference between components
2Reliability
If the display device is mounted on the circuit board away from the instrument panel, then electromagnetic compatibility issues are reduced, but the display area cannot be directly utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide serves as an optical intermediary that bridges the gap between the remotely mounted display device and the instrument panel. It preserves the electromagnetic isolation benefits while restoring visual access to the display through the panel
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide extends the display functionality into a third dimension by transmitting light through the panel thickness, allowing the display to be physically separated from the panel while maintaining visual connectivity
3Ease of operation
If cables are used to connect the display device to the instrument panel, then electrical connection is established, but susceptibility to static discharge increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical cable connection is replaced with an optical transmission system using the waveguide. This substitutes the mechanical/electrical connection with an optical one, eliminating the pathway for static discharge while maintaining the functional connection between display and panel
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 enables the display of information from the display device through the instrument panel without the need for a direct connection, reducing susceptibility to static discharge and electromagnetic compatibility issues, while providing a larger apparent display size and eliminating the need for cables.
Implementation Method 1
a waveguide that couples the display area to the display opening and guides light, and/or an image displayed in the display area, from the display area to the display opening
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes an instrument panel that includes a display opening, where the instrument panel is located in a first plane; a circuit board located inside the electronic device, where the circuit board includes a display device that includes a display area, and where the display area is located in a second plane that is different from the first plane; and a waveguide that couples the display area to the display opening and guides light, and/or an image displayed in the display area, from the display area to the display opening.