Method and apparatus for attaching display to enclosure

An electronic device having a display assembly and housing is disclosed. Several layers may combine to form the display assembly including a display layer. The display assembly can also include a support structure. The display layer may have a planar portion configured to present visual information and a curved portion. The display assembly can additionally include a transverse support member that extends away from the curved portion. The transverse support member may have a central portion that is coupled to at least the curved portion and at least one end portion coupled to the support structure. The transverse support member can define at least one separate load path capable of transferring a corresponding load from the display layer to the support structure.

FIELD

The following description relates to electronic devices. In particular, the following relates to an electronic device that includes a display assembly having several active layers including a display layer that can be coupled to a support structure of the electronic device in various ways.

BACKGROUND

An electronic device may include a display assembly that can be coupled to a support structure or enclosure of the electronic device to secure the display assembly. The coupling may help prevent separation of the display assembly from the support structure during normal use of the electronic device as well as during a drop event. Accordingly, such a coupling may need to prevent or minimize relative movement of the display assembly with respect to the support structure during the drop event to maintain the integrity of the electronic device.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, an electronic device having a housing is described. The electronic device includes at least a display assembly carried by the housing and comprising planar components secured together to form a stacked assembly. The display assembly can include a display layer including a planar portion extending along and disposed about a centerline and configured to present visual information and a curved portion that curves about an axis that is transverse to and offset from the centerline. The portable electronic device also may include a support member transverse to and offset from the centerline and aligned with the axis, the support member can have a central portion that is secured to the display layer at the curved portion, thereby maintaining structural integrity of the stacked assembly, and at least one end portion coupled to a support structure.

In another aspect, an electronic device is described. The electronic device can include a display assembly including a display layer that may extend along a centerline and can have a planar portion and a curved portion. The display layer can comprise an active region having imaging elements configured to present visual information, and an inactive region that may include an overlap region that can be defined by the curved portion and that may be symmetric about a bend axis that can be perpendicular to and offset from the planar portion. The electronic device also can include a support structure that supports the display assembly and a transverse support member that may be coupled to the support structure and the display layer, and that extends along the bend axis such that the transverse support member can form a load path capable of passing a load associated with the display assembly directly to the support structure.

In yet another aspect, an electronic device is described. The electronic device can include a housing capable of carrying components that can include a processor and an optical imaging component in communication with the processor. The components may also include a display assembly in communication with the processor and that can include a display layer that has a planar portion that can be disposed about a centerline. The display assembly may also include a support structure that can be coupled to the housing and a transverse support member that may couple together the display layer and the support structure. The transverse support member can be offset from and perpendicular to the centerline of the display layer such that the transverse support structure may provide a load path from the display layer and the support structure.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate and understand that, according to common practice, various features of the drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale, and that dimensions of various features and elements of the drawings may be expanded or reduced to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Electronic devices frequently include display assemblies that are coupled to a support structure or enclosure of the electronic device. The coupling may help to prevent separation of the display assembly from the support structure during normal use of the electronic device as well as during an abnormal event, such as a drop event. Thus, such coupling may need to prevent or minimize relative movement of the display assembly with respect to the support structure.

The display assembly can include a display layer for displaying visual information and touch and force sensitive layers that may be laminated together with the display layer to provide a user input for the electronic device. The display assembly can also include a protective layer or cover glass extending over the display layer, touch sensitive layer, and force sensitive layers for protection of those layers and the electronic device itself. In a situation where the electronic device undergoes a sudden acceleration (such as a drop event), forces can be induced that can act upon components of the electronic device (such as the display assembly) that, if sufficiently great, can result in displacement of at least some of the components resulting in partial or complete loss of functionality. Consequently, robust coupling between components, such as those in the display assembly and a corresponding support structure may be necessary.

It should be noted that for the remainder of this discussion, the primary focus will be on a display assembly of a portable electronic device. However, it should be understood that the described embodiments can be used for any arrangement of components where having fixed relative positions with respect to each other is important. For example, in the context of the display assembly, the display assembly can include a stacked arrangement that can include at least a display layer capable of providing visual content. In one embodiment, the display assembly can also include a support structure capable of providing support for the stacked arrangement that, in turn, can be secured to a housing of the portable electronic device. In other embodiments, support for the stacked arrangement can be provided directly by the housing, providing for a portable electronic device having a maximally sized viewable display area. In one embodiment, a support member can be in physical communication with both the stacked arrangement and the support structure. The physical communication can define a load path between the stacked arrangement and the support structure. The load path can be arranged to maximize a robustness of the overall attachment between the stacked assembly (and any other components) and the support structure. The load path can also direct a load applied to the stacked assembly directly to the support structure. In this way, areas that are more sensitive to an applied load can be avoided.

In one embodiment, a portable electronic device can have a high component density and be characterized as having a generally rectangular shape. The rectangular shape can be defined by a major dimension (length) and a minor dimension (width) that is less than or equal to the major dimension. The display assembly can have a reduced z stack and can include a stacked arrangement of parallel planar components well suited for the high component density device. For example, a representative stacked assembly can include planar components that can include, at least, a display layer, a touch sensitive layer, and force sensitive layer each being parallel to each other and aligned in accordance with the major dimension. The display layer can be symmetric about a centerline that is aligned with and parallel to the major dimension and perpendicular to the minor dimension. The display layer can be parallel to the major dimension and include a planar portion that is contiguous with a curved portion. The planar portion can include an active region having imaging elements symmetrically disposed about a centerline and capable of producing visible content that is viewable through a protective layer that overlays the display layer. It should also be noted that by “planar” it is meant that, although generally flat, the planar portion can nonetheless have a slight curvature that could, by design, be discernable to a viewer. In addition to the active region, the display layer can include an inactive region at least a portion of which is co-planar with the active region. The inactive region is generally not visible through the protective layer, but can nonetheless include imaging elements. It should be noted, however, that the primary purpose of the inactive region is to provide a surface having an area that is of sufficient size to support multiple pathways and connections between various components of the display assembly as well as other components of the portable electronic device. Additionally, the inactive region can also facilitate securing of the display assembly.

In one embodiment, the display assembly can be secured to a support structure that, in turn, is coupled to the housing whereas in other embodiments the display assembly can be secured directly to the housing. In order to reduce an amount of space taken up by the inactive region (while still maintaining the necessary surface area), the lateral dimension of at least a portion of the inactive region can be reduced. The reduction in lateral extent can be accomplished by a curved portion of the inactive region taking on a curved, non-planar geometry that bends away from a flat portion of the inactive region. In this way, the curved portion can be symmetric about a bend axis where the bend axis is perpendicular to and displaced from the centerline of the active region. In this way, the curved portion can define an open internal volume having a generally concave geometry that can, in some embodiments, be described as a U shape. In this way, the curved portion (i) can be symmetric about the bend axis, (ii) can have flat portions of the inactive region overlapping each other, and (iii) can define an open sided internal region suitable for accommodating a support member. In the described embodiment, the support member can be located within the open sided internal region and extend outwardly in a direction aligned with the bend axis. In some embodiments, the support member can referred to as a transverse support member when aligned with the bend axis such that the support member is transverse (e.g., perpendicular) to and offset from the planar portion.

In the described embodiment, a transverse support member can be coupled to the support structure and the display layer. In this way, the transverse support member can provide a load path directly from the display layer to the support structure. Accordingly, when, for example, the display assembly undergoes an event (such as a drop event) that produces a shear force, at least part of the shear force can be directed along the load path to the support structure, or in some cases, directly to the housing. In this way, a more robust attachment can be achieved with minimal impact of available space within the portable electronic device.

It should be noted that in those embodiments that display assembly is to be wrapped around itself to provide for electrical connections to each respective layer, the overlapped portions of the wrapped area can additionally include adhesive providing attachment of the overlapped portions of a layer to one another. Nevertheless, in order to enable narrow borders around the portion of the display assembly that displays the visual information (i.e., the planar portion of the display layer), the areas in which the protective layer and/or the remainder of the display assembly can be coupled to the support structure may be limited. Accordingly, the following describes the addition of a transverse support member in a region defined by the overlapped portions of the display layer. The transverse support member can take myriad forms and the wrapped areas of the display layer (e.g., the curved portion) can be configured in various ways relative to the transverse support member and active regions (in the planar portion) of the display layer. The addition of the transverse support member helps prevent or minimize relative movement of the display assembly with respect to the support structure during the drop event while enabling narrow borders around the active region of the planar portion of the display assembly. In other words, the portions of the transverse support member extending out of the open sided internal region provide additional attachment points of the display assembly to the support structure.

The following disclosure relates to an electronic device, such as a mobile communication device that takes the form of a smart phone or a tablet computer device. The electronic device can include several enhancements and modifications not found on traditional electronic devices. For example, the display assembly of the electronic device can extend to the edges (or at least substantially to the edges) of the protective layer, thereby providing an “edge to edge” appearance of the display assembly as visual information (textual, still images, or motion images, i.e., video) are seen at or near the edges of the protective layer. Through the addition of the above-mentioned support member or transverse support member, the load path from the layers of the display assembly to the support structure may advantageously travel through the wrapped display layer and support member to the coupling of the transverse support member and the support structure, rather than being carried solely by areas of adhesive that may also secure the one or more layers of the display assembly to the support structure. As a result, these areas of adhesive can be minimized or even eliminated, further facilitating narrow borders around the display assembly.

The electronic device in which the embodiments show and describe can take the form of a wearable electronic device that can be attached to a garment worn by a user or carried with respect to an appendage (such as a wrist). These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference toFIGS. 1-10. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these Figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting.

FIG. 1illustrates a front isometric view of an embodiment of an electronic device100, in accordance with some described embodiments. In some embodiments, the electronic device100is a tablet computer device. In other embodiments, the electronic device100is a wearable electronic device that includes one or more straps (not shown) designed to wrap around an appendage (such as a wrist) of a user to secure the electronic device100with the user. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 1, the electronic device100is a mobile communication device, such as a smartphone. Accordingly, the electronic device100may enable wireless communication in the form of cellular network communication, Bluetooth communication (2.4 GHz), and/or wireless local area network (WLAN) communication (2.4 GHz to 5 GHz), as non-limiting examples. As shown, the electronic device100may include a display assembly102designed to present visual information in the form of textual information, still images, and/or video information. The electronic device100may have a generally rectangular shape defined by a major dimension L (length) and a minor dimension (width) W that is less than or equal to the major dimension L.

In order to protect the display assembly102, the electronic device100may include an outer or first protective layer104that overlays the display assembly102. The first protective layer104may include a transparent material(s), including glass, sapphire, or plastic, as non-limiting examples. As shown, the first protective layer104may include openings that facilitate user interaction with the electronic device100. For example, the first protective layer104may include a first opening106and a second opening108. The electronic device100may include an image capture device (not shown) that captures an image (or images) through the first opening106. The electronic device100may further include an audio module (not shown) that generates acoustical energy in the form of audible sound, which exits the electronic device100via the second opening108.

Also, the electronic device100may include a housing or band110that defines an outer perimeter of the electronic device100. Generally, the band110includes a shape similar to that of a 4-sided ring. However, other shapes are possible. Also, the band110may define multiple sidewalls and an opening to at least partially receive and secure with the first protective layer104. In some embodiments, the band110includes a metal, such as aluminum or an alloy that includes aluminum. In this regard, the band110may provide a rigid structure for the electronic device100. Also, when the band110is formed from a metal, the band110may include several sidewalls, some of which are used to support wireless communication. For example, the band110may include a first sidewall component112that forms a U-shape design, as well as a second sidewall component114that also forms a U-shape design. The first sidewall component112and the second sidewall component114may each function in conjunction with a radio circuit (not shown) in the electronic device100such that the first sidewall component112and the second sidewall component114each form at least part of an antenna for their respective radio circuits. For example, the first sidewall component112may function in conjunction with a WLAN radio circuit, and the second sidewall component114may function in conjunction with a cellular network radio circuit.

Also, the band110may further include a third sidewall component116and a fourth sidewall component118, with the third sidewall component116and the fourth sidewall component118separated from both the first sidewall component112and the second sidewall component114by split regions, or openings. For example, the band110may include a first split region122and a second split region124that combine to separate the third sidewall component116from the first sidewall component112and the second sidewall component114. Also, the band110may include a third split region126and a fourth split region128that combine to separate the fourth sidewall component118from the first sidewall component112and the second sidewall component114. The aforementioned split regions may be filled with a non-metal material, such as molded plastic (or other non-electrically conductive material), to provide a flush, co-planar surface with the various parts of the band110. With the first sidewall component112and the second sidewall component114being electrically isolated from the third sidewall component116and the fourth sidewall component118, the first sidewall component112and the second sidewall component114may function as part of an antenna, while the third sidewall component116and the fourth sidewall component118may function as an electrical ground for one or more internal components (not shown) that are electrically coupled with the third sidewall component116and the fourth sidewall component118, respectively. Also, each of the first sidewall component112, the second sidewall component114, the third sidewall component116, and the fourth sidewall component118may provide a protective structural component for at least some internal components, as well as provide thermal dissipation and heat removal for some heat-generating components (not shown) of the electronic device100, provided the heat-generating components are thermally coupled with at least one of the aforementioned parts. Also, the first sidewall component112, the second sidewall component114, the third sidewall component116, and the fourth sidewall component118may each represent at least a portion of first sidewall, a second sidewall, a third sidewall, and a fourth sidewall, respectively.

The electronic device100may further include one or more input devices. For example, the electronic device100includes a first button130designed to generate an input when depressed. The input may generate an electrical signal sent to a processor circuit (not shown) in the electronic device100, in order to alter the visual information presented on the display assembly102. As shown, the first button130is located along the third sidewall component116. However, other locations are possible. Also, although not shown, the electronic device100may include a switch designed to provide an additional user input function.

Also, the electronic device100may further include a data port132designed to receive and electrically couple with a cable assembly (not shown). The data port132may receive data/communication from the cable assembly, as well as electrical energy to charge a battery assembly (not shown) located in the electronic device100. Also, the electronic device100may include additional openings designed for various user interactions. For example, the electronic device100may an audio module (not shown) located near openings134, or through holes, formed in the second sidewall component114. The openings134allow acoustical energy generated from the audio module to exit the electronic device100. Also, the electronic device100may further include a microphone (not shown) located near an opening136, or through hole, formed in the second sidewall component114. The microphone may be positioned to receive acoustical energy through the opening136.

FIG. 2illustrates a rear isometric view of the electronic device100shown inFIG. 1, further showing additional features of the electronic device100. As shown, the electronic device100may include a second protective layer144secured with the band110. The second protective layer144may combine with the band110to define an enclosure that includes an internal volume, or cavity, that receives several internal components, such as circuit boards, integrated circuits, and a battery assembly, as non-limiting examples. In this regard, the band110may include a first edge region that receives the first protective layer104(shown inFIG. 1), as well as a second edge region that receives the second protective layer144, with the first edge region and the second edge region in opposite, or opposing, locations of the band110. Also, the second protective layer144may be referred to as a bottom wall or back wall.

Generally, the second protective layer144may include a material (or materials) that provides an aesthetic finish, such as glass, sapphire, or plastic. Also, in some instances, the material makeup of the second protective layer144may allow radio frequency (“RF”) communication, generated from internal radio circuits (not shown) of the electronic device100, to permeate through the second protective layer144. In this manner, the electronic device100may be in wireless communication with other devices (not shown) by way of RF communication that is substantially uninhibited by the second protective layer144.

Also, the second protective layer144may include openings that facilitate user interaction with the electronic device100. For example, the second protective layer144may include a first opening146and a second opening148. The electronic device100may include an optical imaging component or image capture device149that captures an image (or images) through the first opening146. The electronic device100may further include a flash module (not shown) aligned with the second opening148, with the flash module generating light energy passing through the second opening148during an image capture event from the image capture device149in order to enhance image quality of the image(s) taken by the image capture device149. Also, in addition to the first button130(shown inFIG. 1), the electronic device100may further include a second button150designed to generate an input when depressed, in a manner similar to that for the first button130. As shown, the second button150is located along the fourth sidewall component118. However, other locations are possible.

FIG. 3Aillustrates a partial exploded view of the electronic device100shown inFIG. 1, showing various planar components of a stacked assembly of the electronic device100. Several features of the electronic device100are not shown for purposes of simplicity. Not shown is the outer or first protective layer104that may overlay the display assembly102. Also, the first protective layer104may adhesively secure with the display assembly102by an adhesive layer. As shown, the display assembly102may include a touch sensitive layer202designed to receive a touch input in order to, for example, control the information presented on the display assembly102, a display layer204designed to present visual information that can, for example, be displayed about centerline C. Force sensitive layer206can be designed to detect an amount of force applied to, or exerted on, the display layer204by way a force applied to at least one of the first protective layer104, the touch sensitive layer202, and the display layer204. The determined amount of force may correspond to a particular input or command to a processor circuit (not shown) that controls the display assembly102. For example, different detected amounts of force may correspond to different or distinct commands. Also, although not shown, the display assembly102may include adhesive layers to adhesively secure the touch sensitive layer202with the display layer204, and to adhesively secure the display layer204with the force sensitive layer206.

The touch sensitive layer202is designed to receive a touch input when, for example, a user (not shown) depresses the first protective layer104. The touch sensitive layer202may include capacitive touch-sensitive technology. For example, the touch sensitive layer202may include a layer of capacitive material that holds an electrical charge. The layer of capacitive material is designed to form a part of multiple capacitive parallel plates throughout a location corresponding to the display layer204. In this regard, when a user touches the first protective layer104, the user forms one or more capacitors. Moreover, the user causes a voltage drop across the one or more capacitors, which in turns causes the electrical charge of the capacitive material to change at a specific point (or points) of contact corresponding to a location of the user's touch input. The capacitance change and/or voltage drop can be measured by the electronic device100to determine the location of the touch input. Also, the touch sensitive layer202may include an edge region226that includes a connector (shown later).

The force sensitive layer206may operate by determining an amount of force or pressure applied to the first protective layer104, the touch sensitive layer202, and/or the display layer204. In this regard, the force sensitive layer206may distinguish between different amounts of force applied to the electronic device100. The different amounts of force may correspond to different user inputs. The force sensitive layer206may include multiple parallel capacitor plate arrangements, with one plate of each capacitor plate arrangement having an electrical charge. When a force to the first protective layer104causes the distance between one or more pairs of parallel plate capacitor to reduce, a change in capacitance between the one or more pairs of parallel plate capacitor may occur. The amount of change in capacitance corresponds to an amount of force exerted on the first protective layer104.

As shown inFIG. 3B, the display layer204(shown in top down view) includes a liquid crystal display (“LCD”) that relies upon backlighting to present the visual information. Display layer204can include an organic light emitted diode (“OLED”) display designed to illuminate individual pixels, when needed. When the display layer204includes OLED technology, the display layer204may include a reduced form factor as compared to that of an LCD display. In this regard, the display assembly102may include a smaller footprint, thereby creating more space for other components such as a battery assembly. Furthermore, when the display layer204includes OLED technology, the display layer204can curve or bend without causing damage to the display layer204. For example, as shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B, the display layer204includes a bend208. The bend208may include a 180-degree bend, or approximately 180-degree bend. The bend208allows the display layer204to bend or curve around at least a portion of the force sensitive layer206, as shown inFIG. 3A. In some embodiments, the display layer204may include an active matrix organic light emitting diode (“AMOLED”) display. Also, as shown inFIG. 3A, the edge region226of the touch sensitive layer202is parallel, or at least substantially parallel, with respect to the edge region210of the display layer204, even when the display layer204includes the bend208.

As shown inFIG. 3B, display layer204of the display assembly102can include a planar portion228that can extend in parallel with the major dimension L to a display periphery235and include an active region230having imaging elements symmetrically disposed about the centerline C that may be configured to present visual information viewable through the first protective layer104that overlays the display layer204. It should understood that by “planar” it is meant that, although generally flat, the planar portion228can nonetheless have a slight curvature that could, by design, be discernable to a viewer. The display layer204can also include a curved portion232(including bend208) contiguous with the planar portion228. In addition to the active region230, the display layer204can include an inactive region234at least a portion of which is co-planar with the active region230. The inactive region234may not generally be visible through the first protective layer104but can nonetheless include imaging elements. Yet, the primary purpose of the inactive region234can be to provide a surface having an area that is of sufficient size to support multiple pathways and connections between various components of the display assembly102as well as other components of the electronic device100. The inactive region234can also facilitate securing of the display assembly102.

Further, in order to support the first protective layer104and facilitate assembly of the first protective layer104with the band110(shown inFIG. 1), the electronic device100may include a support structure. Specifically, as shown inFIG. 3C, the support structure can take the form of frame154that receives and secures with the first protective layer104by, for example, an adhesive layer. Accordingly, the frame154may include a size and shape in accordance with that of the first protective layer104. Yet, it should be understood that the support structure could instead be the housing (e.g., band110) of the electronic device. The frame154may be positioned at least partially between the first protective layer104and the band110. The frame154may be formed from a polymeric material, such as plastic, and may also include a metal ring (not shown) that is partially embedded in the polymeric material during an insert molding operation. In this regard, the frame154may structurally support the first protective layer104, as well as one or more components of the display assembly102. It should also be noted that frame154can include notch156that can accommodate bend208as discussed below. It should be noted that frame154as shown does not include supporting element described below. It should nonetheless be considered that frame154can be formed of a metal in which case a supporting element is not generally required. In other cases, when the frame154is formed of a polymeric material, then a supporting element can be embedded with frame154using, for example, well known molding processes.

FIG. 4illustrates a cross sectional view of the electronic device100taken along line A-A inFIG. 1. As shown, the stacked assembly includes the display assembly102that further includes the touch sensitive layer202, the display layer204, and the force sensitive layer206. Although not shown, the display assembly102may include adhesive layers to adhesively secure the touch sensitive layer202with the display layer204, and to adhesively secure the display layer204with the force sensitive layer206. Also, the display layer204may include an edge region that includes a connector224used to electrically and mechanically couple the display layer204with a flexible circuit214that electrically couples with a circuit board assembly and places the display layer204in communication with the circuit board assembly.

The touch sensitive layer202is designed to receive a touch input when, for example, a user (not shown) depresses the first protective layer104. The touch input can be relayed from the touch sensitive layer202to a circuit board assembly (not shown) by a first flexible circuit212electrically and mechanically coupled with the touch sensitive layer202by a connector222of the touch sensitive layer202. The connector222can be located on an edge region226(shown inFIG. 3A) of the touch sensitive layer202.

As shown, the first flexible circuit212may bend or curve around the display layer204and the force sensitive layer206to electrically and mechanically couple with touch sensitive layer202. Thus, the touch sensitive layer202and the force sensitive layer206can each extend along and adjacent to the planar portion228of the display layer204(e.g., one on each side of the planar portion228of the display layer204).

As described above, curved portion232of the inactive region234can take on a curved, non-planar geometry that bends away from a first flat portion240of the inactive region234to a second flat portion242of the inactive region234. In this way, the curved portion232can be symmetric about a bend axis B, where the bend axis B is perpendicular to and displaced from the centerline C. Thus, the curved portion232can define an open internal volume having a generally concave geometry that can, in some embodiments, be described as a U shape, when viewed as a cross-section. So, the curved portion232can be symmetric about the bend axis B and may have flat portions240,242of the inactive region234overlapping each other to form the U shaped open ended internal volume. The second flat portion242of the inactive region234may also overlap a portion of the active region230of the planar portion228. Consequently, the planar portion228and curved portion232can define an open sided internal region.

Accordingly, the display layer204can have at least one display edge that is at least partially bent along the bend axis B to define the bend208extending between the flat portions240,242of the inactive region234about the bend axis B. The planar portion228may extend along the major dimension L of the electronic device100(along a plane in a direction normal to the bend axis B) and the curved portion232can be spaced from or offset from and extend along the planar portion228along the major dimension L of the electronic device100to define an overlap region with the open sided internal region defined between the planar portion228and the curved portion232(and between flat portions240,242of the inactive region of the curved portion232).

The frame154may include design considerations that accommodate the display assembly102. For example, the frame154may include a notch156having an undercut region designed to at least partially receive the flexible circuit212and/or the display layer204. Thus, the frame154can carry the display assembly102and may extend at least partially circumferentially around the display periphery235. As shown inFIG. 4, the notch156includes a size and shape to at least partially receive the bent/curved region of both the display layer204(e.g., bend208and curved portion232) as well the flexible circuit212. While the notch156includes a curvature generally corresponding to that of the flexible circuit212and the display layer204, other shapes, including straight edges, are possible for the notch156. Also, the notch156may be formed during a molding operation of the frame154. Alternatively, the notch156may be formed subsequent to a molding operation by, for example, a cutting operation.

Also, the frame154may be adhesively secured with the first protective layer104and the second sidewall component114(of the band110, shown inFIG. 1) by adhesive layer166that bonds the frame154to the second sidewall component114. As shown, the amount of adhesive used in the adhesive layer166generally allows the second sidewall component114, the frame154, and the first protective layer104to form a generally continuous and planar configuration, as denoted by the edges of the aforementioned parts being aligned with one another. The frame154may include a supporting element158coupled to or embedded within the frame154. In some embodiments, the supporting element158includes a ring formed from a metal material that continuously extends around the display assembly102in accordance with the frame154. However, the supporting element158may also be discontinuous, and accordingly, may be selectively embedded in the frame154. As shown, the supporting element158may extend along the frame154to support the display assembly102and the first protective layer104. Also, the first flexible circuit212may adhesively secure with the supporting element158by an adhesive layer254. During a drop event (e.g., a bottom face drop), the adhesive layers166,254may experience a shear load due to the load256shown by dashed lines, as the display assembly102translates toward a contact surface (e.g., a floor).

Still referring toFIG. 4, the display assembly102also may include a support member258for reducing the shear load experienced by the adhesive layers166,254. The support member258may be disposed in and extend out of the open sided internal region and can be coupled to the support structure beyond the overlap region250for securing the display layer204to the support structure, as discussed in more detail below. For example, support member258can have at least one end secured to supporting element158in such a way shear force or load256acting upon display assembly102can at least partially be directed away from adhesive layers166,254thereby reducing the likelihood of a shear failure. In some embodiments, the support member258can referred to as a transverse support member258when aligned with the bend axis B, such that the support member258is transverse (e.g., perpendicular) to and offset from the planar portion228. The support member258will be referred to as a transverse support member258below; however, it should be appreciated that other arrangements of the support member258are contemplated.

FIG. 5shows a top view of the electronic device100shown inFIG. 1. As shown, transverse support member258has a central portion262that is coupled to at least the curved portion232and at least one end portion264coupled to the support structure (e.g., the frame154or band110). More specifically, the transverse support member258can extend along the minor dimension W of the electronic device100(along the bend axis B) to define the at least one end portion264outside the overlap region250for coupling to the support structure. In one embodiment, the central portion262of the transverse support member258can be attached to the curved portion232of the display layer204using a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA)260. The central portion262of the transverse support member258may also be attached to the planar portion228of the display layer204or portions thereof using the pressure sensitive adhesive260. Nevertheless, it should be noted that transverse support member258can be secured to first and second flat portions240,242in any manner deemed appropriate, for example using some other type of adhesive. The at least one end portion264of the transverse support member is shown to include a pair of end portions264each extending away from opposite sides of the curved portion232of the display layer204; however, it should be appreciated that other configurations of the transverse support member258are possible. For example, the transverse support member258may only extend from the open sided internal region away from one side of the curved portion232(i.e., only one end portion264coupled to the support structure). In either event, the transverse support member258can extend away from the bend208along the major dimension L of the electronic device100. Thus, the transverse support member258advantageously defines at least one separate load path capable of transferring a corresponding load from the display layer204(and other components secured to the display layer204) to the support structure. Consequently, the adhesive layers166,254(shown inFIG. 4), especially adhesive layer166can be reduced in size, for example, or even eliminated altogether, allowing the display assembly102to extend further toward the frame154and/or second sidewall component114and providing for a narrower “border” around the display assembly102(i.e., maximize the size of the planar portion228of the display layer204).

The transverse support member258may be formed of metal, for example, and can be attached to the support structure with at least one of an adhesive and a weld (both indicated as266inFIG. 5). It should be appreciated that the transverse support member258could be formed of other rigid or semi-rigid materials, such as but not limited to polymeric materials. In the event that the transverse support member258is formed of metal, for example, the transverse support member258may also assist in removing heat energy from the display assembly102and transferring heat energy to the support structure (e.g., the frame154/or band110). While the transverse support member258is shown extending rectilinearly, it should be appreciated that other shapes may be utilized.

FIG. 6illustrates a top view of an alternate embodiment of an electronic device300, with like numerals separated by a factor of 200, being used to show features corresponding to the embodiment of the electronic device100discussed above. In contrast to the display layer204shown inFIG. 5, the planar portion428of the display layer404of the display assembly302extends along the minor dimension W of the electronic device300over the pair of end portions464of the transverse support member458. While the transverse support member458still extends along the bend axis B, it can be spaced further from the curved portion432along the major dimension L. Nevertheless, the transverse support member458still may couple to at least the curved portion432in the open sided internal region and within the overlap region450and then attach to the support structure using at least one of an adhesive and a weld (both indicated as466inFIG. 6). Outward portions of the planar portion428(portions extending outwardly along the minor dimension W of the electronic device300toward the display periphery435) also may extend along the major dimension L, but stop short of reaching the bend axis B on either side of the curved portion432.

As in the embodiment shown inFIG. 5, the transverse support member458ofFIG. 6can be in physical communication with both the stacked arrangement (e.g., the display assembly302) and the support structure. The physical communication can define the load path between the display assembly302and the support structure. The load path can be arranged to maximize a robustness of the overall attachment between the display assembly302(and any other components) and the support structure. The load path can also direct a load applied to the display assembly302(e.g., load256ofFIG. 4during a drop event) directly to the support structure. In this way, stress to areas that are more sensitive to the applied load (e.g., areas of adhesive attaching the display assembly302to frame154/110) can be circumvented.

FIG. 7illustrates a partial top view of another alternate embodiment of an electronic device500, with like numerals separated by a factor of400, being used to show features corresponding to the embodiment of the electronic device100discussed above. As with the embodiment of the electronic device300shown inFIG. 6, the planar portion628of the display layer604of the display assembly502extends along the minor dimension W of the electronic device500over the pair of end portions664of the transverse support member658; nevertheless, as shown, the transverse support member658may be closer to the bend axis B and may extend along the major dimension L of the electronic device500(in a direction normal to the bend axis B) further from the bend axis B. Such a transverse support member658could, for example, transfer a larger load from the display layer604to the support structure, compared to another support member that does not extend along the major dimension L in the overlap region650as far from the bend axis B (is narrower along the major dimension L of the electronic device500). More specifically, the region of at least one end portion664that may be utilized for the weld (or adhesive)666to attach the transverse support member658to the support structure (e.g., frame154) may be larger than if the transverse support member658was narrower. Similarly, because the transverse support member658extends further along the major dimension L of the electronic device500, any load associated with the display assembly502would be more spread out to the curved portion632within the open sided internal region (in the overlap region650) and less concentrated in a smaller area of the display layer604.

Also, as shown inFIG. 7, the planar portion628of the display layer604can define gaps674between outward portions670of the planar portion628(portions extending outwardly along the minor dimension W of the electronic device500toward the display periphery635) and the area in which the planar portion628is contiguous with the curved portion632. Such gaps674may help minimize any stresses concentrated due to the bending of the display layer604at bend608.

FIG. 8illustrates a partial top view of an alternate embodiment of an electronic device700, with like numerals separated by a factor of600, being used to show features corresponding to the embodiment of the electronic device100discussed above. As discussed above for other embodiments, the planar portion828of the display layer804can extend to the display periphery835. As shown, the display periphery835can define at least one display corner876and the planar portion828of the display layer804may overlap the curved portion832in the overlap region850at the display corner876. In other words, the display periphery835includes a plurality of display sides878and the bend axis B extends diagonally between two of the plurality of display sides878.

The transverse support member858may have an arcuate shape to follow the shape of the display corner876, while coupling to at least the curved portion832within the open sided internal region (in the overlap region850) and to the support structure (e.g., frame754) using at least one of a weld and an adhesive (both indicated as866inFIG. 8). More specifically, as shown, the transverse support member858can also be described as being generally L-shaped. Therefore, the transverse support member858can extend along the display periphery835adjacent to and around the display corner876.

Such an arrangement of the bend axis B and transverse support member858may be advantageous in devices in which design considerations dictate that the planar portion828of the display layer804may overlap the curved portion832at the display corner876. For example, other components of the electronic device700may be located in such a way as to interfere with the planar portion828and the curved portion832overlapping one another as shown inFIGS. 5-7. Similarly, the arrangement of the bend axis B and transverse support member858shown inFIG. 8may advantageously provide more robust structure and support for the display assembly702(and other components that may be attached to the display assembly702) at the at least one display corner876. It should be understood that while the transverse support member858is generally L-shaped to follow the contour of the display corner876, the transverse support member858may instead extend rectilinearly or take on other curvilinear forms.

FIG. 9illustrates a top view of an alternate embodiment of an electronic device900, with like numerals separated by a factor of800, being used to show features corresponding to the embodiment of the electronic device100discussed above. As compared with the embodiment of the electronic device500shown inFIG. 7, the transverse support member1058and bend axis B can extend along the major dimension L of the electronic device900instead of extending along the minor dimension W. As in other embodiments, however, the transverse support member1058may define at least one end portion1064outside the overlap region1050for coupling to the support structure (e.g., frame154). The planar portion1028of the display layer1004can define gaps1074between outward portions1070of the planar portion1028(portions extending outwardly along the major dimension L of the electronic device900toward the display periphery1035) and the area in which the planar portion1028is contiguous with the curved portion1032. The gaps1074may help minimize any stresses concentrated due to the bending of the display layer1004at the bend1008.

The arrangement of the bend axis B and transverse support member1058along the major dimension L of the electronic device900may be beneficial in devices in which design considerations dictate that the planar portion1028of the display layer1004may overlap the curved portion1032along a display side1078. For instance, other components of the electronic device900may be located in such a way as to interfere with the planar portion1028and the curved portion1032overlapping one another as shown inFIGS. 5-7. Also, the arrangement of the bend axis B and transverse support member1058shown inFIG. 9may advantageously provide more robust structure and support for the display assembly902(and other components that may be attached to the display assembly902) along the display side1078. It should be understood that while the transverse support member1058is rectilinear, the transverse support member1058may instead take on other forms.

FIG. 10illustrates a flowchart showing a process1100for forming a display assembly for an electronic device in accordance with the described embodiments. The process1100can be carried out by,1102, bending a planar display layer about a bend axis. The process can continue, at1104, by attaching a transverse support member to the bent planar display layer. The process can conclude, at1106, by securing the transverse support member to a support structure.

An electronic device having a housing is described. The electronic device includes a display assembly carried by the housing and comprising planar components secured together to form a stacked assembly. The planar components include a display layer including a planar portion extending along and disposed about a centerline and configured to present visual information and a curved portion that curves about an axis that is transverse to and offset from the centerline. In addition, the planar components include a support member that extends in a direction that is transverse to and offset from the centerline and aligned with the axis. The support member has an end portion coupled to a support structure and a central portion that is secured to the stacked assembly at the curved portion of the display layer.

In one embodiment, the support member defines a load path generally perpendicular to a direction of a shear force produced during a drop event. The direction of the shear force is generally parallel to the centerline.

In one embodiment, a transfer of a load along the load path during the drop event inhibits movement of the stacked assembly in the direction of the shear force.

In one embodiment, the curved portion that curves away from the planar portion and has a curved profile that is symmetric about the axis.

In one embodiment, the curved portion includes a display corner having an arcuate profile. The curved portion is at least partially supported by the support member that has an arcuate shape.

In one embodiment, the support structure is a frame that secures the display assembly to the housing.

In one embodiment, the support structure is the housing.

An electronic device is described that includes a display assembly including a display layer extending along a centerline and having a planar portion and a curved portion, wherein the planar portion includes an active region having imaging elements configured to present visual information, and wherein the curved portion includes an inactive region that includes an overlap region that is symmetric about a bend axis that is perpendicular to and offset from the centerline. The display assembly also includes a support structure capable of supporting the display assembly and a transverse support member that is coupled to the support structure and the display layer. The transverse support member also extends in accordance with the bend axis such that the transverse support member provides a load path capable of passing a load from the display assembly directly to the support structure.

In one embodiment, the planar portion of the display layer extends to a display periphery and the support structure at least partially surrounds the display periphery.

In one embodiment, the display periphery has a curved profile such that the visual information is presented in a manner that appears to curve away from the planar portion.

In one embodiment, the support structure includes a notch that at least partially receives the curved portion of the display layer.

In one embodiment, the electronic device further comprises a housing capable of carrying operational components, and wherein the housing is the support structure.

In one embodiment, the operational components include a processor and an optical image capture device in communication with the processor.

In one embodiment, the electronic device further includes an outer protective layer that includes a transparent material and that overlays the display assembly.

In one embodiment, the display assembly further includes a touch sensitive layer for detecting a touch input through the outer protective layer.

In one embodiment, the display assembly further includes a force sensitive layer configured to detect an amount of force applied to the outer protective layer associated with the touch input.

In one embodiment, the touch sensitive layer includes a connector and a flexible circuit couples to the touch sensitive layer at the connector and wraps around the display layer.

An electronic device is described that includes a housing capable of carrying components that include a processor and an optical imaging component in communication with the processor and capable of optically capturing an image for further processing. The components also include a display assembly in communication with the processor. The display assembly includes a display layer having a planar portion that is disposed about a centerline, a support structure that is coupled to the housing, and a transverse support member that couples together the display layer and the support structure, wherein the transverse support member is offset from and perpendicular to the centerline of the display layer such that the transverse support structure provides a load path from the display layer and the support structure.

In one embodiment, the transverse support member is formed of metal and is attached to the support structure with at least one of an adhesive and a weld.

In one embodiment, the display layer comprises an organic light emitting diode display.