Patent Description:
<CIT> relates to an electronic device including a display located inside a housing, an optical sensor located on a rear surface of the display, and a partition wall member located between the display and the optical sensor. <CIT> relates to an electronic device that includes a display screen, and a light sensor arranged below the display area.

The details of one or more aspects of a light-sealing gasket with crossbar force distribution are described in this document with reference to the following drawings. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.

This document describes a light-sealing gasket with crossbar force distribution that enables manufacturers to locate a sensor package beneath a display module of an electronic device. The gasket frames the sensor package, which includes a transmit module and a receive module. The architecture of the gasket is such that it shields signals between the sensor modules and avoids damage to the display module. Typically, the display module (e.g., for displaying media content) is composed of several layers, including a glass layer, a panel layer, and a copper layer. A portion of the copper layer is removed, enabling signals to pass through the display and not reflect off the copper. However, the panel layer is extremely delicate, and removing the copper layer leaves the panel vulnerable to damage caused by loads applied to it. The gasket spans across the removed portion in the copper layer, applying a load to the copper layer on either side of the removed portion without applying a load to the panel layer. By applying a load to the copper layer, the gasket seals the volume through which the transmit signals travel and the volume through which the receive signals travel from one another, reducing interference between the two modules. Being able to position sensors beneath the display of an electronic device frees area elsewhere within the form factor of the device and ultimately enables more features to be included on the device.

These are a few examples of how the described gasket may be used to shield sensor signals and provide force distribution. Other examples and implementations are described herein. This document now turns to an example system. In the example system, the gasket is employed on a sensor package with a transmit module and a receiver module, but the described gasket may be used on any sensor package installed on an electronic device requiring signals to be shielded.

<FIG> illustrates an example environment <NUM> of a light-sealing gasket with crossbar force distribution in an electronic device <NUM> and a cross-sectional view of an example implementation. Although illustrated as a handheld device (e.g., mobile phone), the electronic device <NUM> can represent other types of electronic devices, including tablets, laptops, game consoles, cameras, or any device with a display module. The cross-sectional view includes a display module <NUM>, a gasket <NUM>, and a sensor package <NUM> having a transmit module <NUM> and a receive module <NUM>. Some example sensor packages are proximity sensors, ambient light sensors (ALS), or any sensors with multiple signal modules. The sensor package <NUM> may also represent two individual sensors placed in close proximity to one another. Two volumes (e.g., air gaps) <NUM> and <NUM> separate the sensor package <NUM> and the display module <NUM>. The cross-sectional view also includes an interposer <NUM> and a back cover <NUM>. The gasket <NUM> includes a first section <NUM>-<NUM> and a second section <NUM>-<NUM>. The first section <NUM>-<NUM> of the gasket <NUM> surrounds the sensor package <NUM>. The second section <NUM>-<NUM> of the gasket <NUM> is assembled to the first section <NUM>-<NUM>. The second section <NUM>-<NUM> has a height that is configured to span a distance (e.g., the distance <NUM>) between the sensor package <NUM> and the display module <NUM>. The second section <NUM>-<NUM> spans across the sensor package <NUM>, separating a volume into two volumes (e.g., the volume <NUM> and the volume <NUM>) that is between the display module <NUM> and each of the transmit module <NUM> and the receive module <NUM>. The volume <NUM> is located in front of the transmit module <NUM>, and the volume <NUM> is located in front of the receive module <NUM>.

Many sensor packages (e.g., sensor package <NUM>) were previously restricted to areas within the form factor of an electronic device (e.g., electronic device <NUM>) that provided direct access to the outer casing or the bezel of a screen not used for media display. This restriction limits the space within the electronic device where sensors can be located and, consequently, the number of sensors a manufacturer can install on the electronic device. However, many electronic devices have a display module (e.g., display module <NUM>), which utilizes a large area of the electronic device, particularly for a bezel-less or bezel-free display module. Placing sensor packages behind the display module <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>, may provide additional locations for sensors, which increases the capabilities of the electronic device and, consequently, enhances the experience for a user. However, reflectivity of the display module <NUM> significantly interferes with conventional techniques attempting to position sensor packages behind the display module. The techniques described herein, however, provide a solution to reducing the reflectivity of the display module and avoiding application of a load on the delicate panel layer of the display module.

<FIG> illustrates a top-down view of the light-sealing gasket with crossbar force distribution. The first section <NUM>-<NUM> has a first surface <NUM>. The second section <NUM>-<NUM> is assembled to the first surface <NUM> of the first section <NUM>-<NUM> and spans the sensor package <NUM>. As mentioned in relation to <FIG>, the second section <NUM>-<NUM> splits the volume between the sensor package and the display module <NUM> into two volumes, where the volume <NUM> is located on the transmit module <NUM> side of the second section <NUM>-<NUM> and the volume <NUM> is located on the receive module <NUM> side of the second section <NUM>-<NUM>. The second section <NUM>-<NUM> shields signals transmitted by the transmit module <NUM> from signals received by the receive module <NUM>, reducing crosstalk between the two sensor modules.

<FIG> illustrates a stacked-layer view <NUM> of the light-sealing gasket <NUM> with crossbar force distribution. The display module <NUM> includes at least a panel layer <NUM> and a copper layer <NUM>. The panel layer <NUM> may be stacked on an opposing side of the copper layer <NUM> from the second section <NUM>-<NUM>. In some aspects, the display module <NUM> may include additional layers (e.g., glass layer, embossed layer), which, for simplicity of discussion, are not represented in this illustration. As transmit and receive signals may not propagate through copper, the copper layer <NUM> has a portion removed to define a gap (e.g., air gap <NUM>) in the copper layer <NUM>, which exposes a portion of the panel layer <NUM>. The panel layer <NUM> may be delicate and receive cosmetic defects (e.g., dimples, abrasions, cracks) with less than <NUM> grams of force applied to it. The copper layer <NUM> is capable of withstanding much larger forces being applied.

The gasket <NUM> can be assembled in multiple stacked layers. For example, the first section <NUM>-<NUM> may include a structural layer <NUM> and an adhesive layer <NUM>. The adhesive layer affixes the gasket <NUM> to the interposer layer <NUM>. The structural layer <NUM> frames the sensor package <NUM>, providing a base for the second section <NUM>-<NUM>. In aspects, the structural layer <NUM> may be composed of hard rubber, stiff foam, epoxy resins, plastic (e.g., polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP)), or any other material having structural properties that enable the structural layer <NUM> to provide structural support to the gasket <NUM> under a load. One example material used to compose the structural layer may have a compression force deflection of <NUM> to <NUM> kPa, though other materials having other ranges of compression force deflection may also be used, such as a material having a compression force deflection of <NUM> to <NUM> kPa or another with <NUM> to <NUM> kPa, to name just three examples.

The second section <NUM>-<NUM> may include adhesive layers <NUM> and <NUM>, a compressible layer <NUM>, and a rigid layer <NUM>, and have a height configured to span the distance <NUM> between the sensor package <NUM> and the display module <NUM>. The rigid layer <NUM> (e.g., composed of a metal material) may be configured to abut the copper layer <NUM> of the display module <NUM> but does not intrude into the air gap <NUM>. By contacting the copper layer <NUM> and not the panel layer <NUM>, the rigid layer <NUM> applies no force to the panel layer <NUM>, avoiding potential damage to the panel layer <NUM>. The rigid layer <NUM> may be bonded to the compressible layer <NUM> by the adhesive layer <NUM>. The rigid layer <NUM>, compressible layer <NUM>, and the adhesive layers <NUM> and <NUM> may be composed of a signal-blocking material, which shield transmit signals of the transmit module <NUM> and receive signals of the receive module <NUM> from one another.

The rigid layer <NUM> may be composed of a metal material (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum) or other material that is reflective. To reduce reflectivity of the transmit signals and receive signals from the reflective material, the rigid layer <NUM> may receive further processing. In some aspects, the reflective material may be coated with a non-reflective material. In other aspects, the metal material may be painted a non-reflective color. Additionally or alternatively, the surface of the reflective material may be physically altered (e.g., scored, coarsened) to reduce reflections.

The compressible layer <NUM> maintains a load on the rigid layer <NUM> and ensures the rigid layer <NUM> maintains contact with the copper layer <NUM> of the display module <NUM>. By maintaining contact with the copper layer <NUM> and spanning the air gap <NUM>, no load is applied to the panel layer <NUM>. This protects the panel layer <NUM> from defects and damage. Likewise, the air gap <NUM> is minimized, further shielding the signals. The compressible layer <NUM> may be adhered to the first section <NUM>-<NUM> (e.g., the structural layer <NUM> of the first section <NUM>-<NUM>) by the adhesive layer <NUM>.

The compressible layer <NUM> may be composed of any suitable material, including an elastomeric material. Some example materials may include a spongy foam, natural or synthetic soft rubber, and silicone-based materials. One example material used to compose the compressible layer may have a compression force deflection of <NUM> to <NUM> kPa, though other materials having other ranges of compression force deflection may also be used, such as a material having a compression force deflection of <NUM> to <NUM> kPa or another with <NUM> to <NUM> kPa, to name just three examples.

<FIG> illustrates the light-sealing gasket <NUM> with crossbar force distribution shielding transmit signals <NUM> and receive signals <NUM> from one another. A display module (e.g., the display module <NUM>), not shown in <FIG>, may be positioned substantially parallel to the first surface <NUM> of the first section <NUM>-<NUM> and abutted to the second section <NUM>-<NUM>. The second section <NUM>-<NUM> separates a volume (e.g., the volume <NUM> from <FIG>) through which the transmit signals <NUM> propagate from a volume (e.g., the volume <NUM> from <FIG>) through which the receive signals <NUM> propagate. In this manner, the transmit signals <NUM> and the receive signals <NUM> may not interfere with one another.

<FIG> illustrates an example implementation <NUM>-<NUM> of the light-sealing gasket <NUM> with crossbar force distribution. In implementation <NUM>-<NUM>, the gasket <NUM> includes the first section <NUM>-<NUM> and a second section <NUM> (e.g., the second section <NUM>-<NUM>). The second section <NUM> is represented as a beam (e.g., crossbar) assembled to the first surface <NUM> of the first section <NUM>-<NUM> and spanning across an opening (e.g., opening <NUM> having a center axis <NUM>) defined by the first section <NUM>-<NUM>. The first section <NUM>-<NUM> may define the opening <NUM> as any suitable two-dimensional shape in its top-down view, including a rectangular shape, a square shape, an elliptical shape, a hexagonal shape, and so forth. The shape of the opening <NUM> may be defined to substantially frame or border the sides of the sensor package <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) that are substantially orthogonal to a front of the sensor package <NUM> (the front being the side of the sensor package <NUM> where the transmit signals <NUM> are output and the receive signals <NUM> are input). Accordingly, the shape of the opening <NUM> defined by the first section <NUM>-<NUM> of the gasket <NUM> may substantially match the shape of the sensor package <NUM>, which may be any suitable shape in its top-down view. The second section <NUM> divides a volume into two volumes (e.g., the volumes <NUM> and <NUM>, which are proximate to the transmit module <NUM> and the receive module <NUM>, respectively, as illustrated in <FIG>).

<FIG> illustrates another example implementation <NUM>-<NUM> of the light-sealing gasket <NUM> with crossbar force distribution and a frame around the volume <NUM> located in front of the transmit module <NUM> of the sensor package <NUM>. The gasket <NUM> has the first section <NUM>-<NUM> and a second section <NUM> (e.g., the second section <NUM>-<NUM>). The second section <NUM> includes a frame <NUM> and encloses a volume (e.g., the volume <NUM> from <FIG> in front of the transmit module <NUM>). The frame <NUM> can shield other components of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>) from transmit signals (e.g., the transmit signals <NUM>). The frame <NUM> may also provide additional stability to the second section <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates another example implementation <NUM>-<NUM> of a light-sealing gasket <NUM> with crossbar force distribution and a frame around the volume <NUM> located in front of the receive module <NUM> of the sensor package <NUM>. The gasket <NUM> has the first section <NUM>-<NUM> and the second section <NUM> (e.g., the second section <NUM>-<NUM>). The second section <NUM> includes a frame <NUM> and encloses a volume (e.g., the volume <NUM> from <FIG>). The frame <NUM> shields the receive module <NUM> from any spurious signals that may be emitted by other components of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>). Likewise, the frame <NUM> may provide additional stability to the second section <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates another example implementation <NUM>-<NUM> of a light-sealing gasket <NUM> with crossbar force distribution and frames around the volumes located in front of the transmit module <NUM> and the receive module <NUM> of the sensor package <NUM>. The gasket <NUM> has the first section <NUM>-<NUM> and a second section <NUM> (e.g., the second section <NUM>-<NUM>). The second section <NUM> includes the frame <NUM> and the frame <NUM>. Implementing both of the frames <NUM> and <NUM> may shield the transmit signals <NUM> and the receive signals <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) from one another and from other components of the electronic device <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). Additionally, the frames <NUM> and <NUM> may provide structural support around a complete perimeter of the second section <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A gasket (<NUM>) for shielding transmit and receive signals of a sensor package (<NUM>) positioned under a display module (<NUM>) of an electronic device (<NUM>), the gasket (<NUM>) comprising:
a first section (<NUM>-<NUM>) forming a frame around an opening with a center axis, the frame configured to wrap around the sensor package (<NUM>) when the sensor package (<NUM>) is positioned within the opening, the first section (<NUM>-<NUM>) having a first surface (<NUM>) defining a plane that is substantially orthogonal to the center axis; and
a second section (<NUM>-<NUM>) assembled to the first surface (<NUM>) of the first section (<NUM>-<NUM>), the second section (<NUM>-<NUM>) having a height configured to span a distance (<NUM>) between the sensor package (<NUM>) and the display module (<NUM>) of the electronic device (<NUM>), the second section (<NUM>-<NUM>) configured to:
extend across the opening of the first section (<NUM>-<NUM>) at a location between a transmit module (<NUM>) of the sensor package (<NUM>) and a receive module (<NUM>) of the sensor package (<NUM>);
abut the display module (<NUM>) of the electronic device (<NUM>); and
shield transmit signals (<NUM>) of the transmit module (<NUM>) from receive signals (<NUM>) of the receive module (<NUM>), and
wherein the second section (<NUM>-<NUM>) forms a beam across the opening and includes:
a compressible layer (<NUM>);
a rigid layer (<NUM>); and
an adhesive layer (<NUM>) bonding the compressible layer (<NUM>) to the rigid layer (<NUM>), and
wherein the second section (<NUM>-<NUM>) is configured to:
span a gap (<NUM>) in a copper layer (<NUM>) of the display module (<NUM>); and
apply a load to the copper layer (<NUM>) without applying a load through the gap (<NUM>) to a panel layer (<NUM>) of the display module (<NUM>) that is stacked on an opposing side of the copper layer (<NUM>) from the second section (<NUM>-<NUM>), wherein the rigid layer (<NUM>) is configured to abut the copper layer (<NUM>) of the display module (<NUM>) on opposing sides of the gap (<NUM>).