Electrically Adjustable Optical Layer for Dynamic Component Hiding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices with optical components face challenges in hiding or revealing these components seamlessly due to inflexible window characteristics, making it difficult to adapt to changing operating environments.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device equipped with an electrically adjustable optical layer that can dynamically adjust light transmission, reflectivity, absorption, color, and haze to overlap and reveal optical components based on operational modes, using technologies like guest-host liquid crystal layers or electrochromic layers controlled by circuitry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed window structure is used to cover optical components, then the device structure is simple and stable, but the ability to adapt to changing operating environments is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the fixed window structure with an electrically adjustable optical layer that can dynamically change its optical properties. The layer transitions between transparent and opaque states based on electrical signals from control circuitry, enabling the device to adapt to changing operating environments while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying the optical transmission parameter of the layer through electrical control. By applying voltage to the adjustable optical layer, the system changes its light transmission characteristic from transparent to opaque, allowing seamless hiding and revealing of optical components without structural complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the optical component is always visible, then the device structure is simple, but the aesthetic appearance and user awareness are compromised when components are not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the optical layer to automatically change its state based on the operational status of the device. The control circuitry monitors whether optical components are in use and automatically adjusts the layer's transparency accordingly, eliminating the need for manual user intervention while maintaining aesthetic appearance and user awareness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies color changes by utilizing the optical layer's ability to transition between transparent and opaque states, effectively changing its visual appearance. When opaque, the layer hides the optical component; when transparent, it reveals the component. This dynamic visual change enhances aesthetic appearance and provides visual feedback to users about device state without adding significant complexity.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a transparent window is used to allow light transmission, then optical components can operate, but the optical components are always visible and cannot be hidden
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by making the window dynamic rather than static. The electrically adjustable optical layer can switch between transparent and opaque states, allowing the system to adapt between two opposing requirements: transparent state for optical component operation and opaque state for hiding components. This dynamic capability eliminates the trade-off entirely.
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
Enables dynamic adjustment of the device's appearance to hide or reveal optical components as needed, enhancing operational flexibility and user awareness of device states through visual cues.
Implementation Method 1
The electrically adjustable optical layer may include an adjustable light transmission layer such as a guest-host liquid crystal layer
Implementation Method 2
The electrically adjustable optical layer may include an adjustable light transmission layer such as a guest-host liquid crystal layer, electrochromic layer, or other layer of adjustable light transmission
Implementation Method 3
The electrically adjustable optical layer may also include adjustable layers exhibiting adjustable haze, adjustable color, and/or adjustable reflectivity
Implementation Method 4
The electrically adjustable optical layer may also include adjustable layers exhibiting adjustable haze, adjustable color, and/or adjustable reflectivity
Implementation Method 5
The electrically adjustable optical layer may also include adjustable layers exhibiting adjustable haze, adjustable color, and/or adjustable reflectivity
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device has an electrically adjustable optical layer. Displays and other optical components may be supported by a housing structure. The housing structure may form a handheld device housing, a head-mounted housing, or other housing for the electronic device. Control circuitry in the electronic device may adjust the electrically adjustable optical layer. The control circuitry may reduce light transmission for the electrically adjustable optical layer to hide the optical components, may increase light transmission to reveal the optical components while the optical components are being used to receive light or to output light, and may otherwise adjust the electrically adjustable optical layer to exhibit a desired set of optical characteristics depending on the mode of operation of the electronic device.