Anodized Housing Multi-Color Manufacturing via Selective Decoloring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for creating multi-colored electronic device housings are complex, time-consuming, and costly, often damaging the first coating during subsequent processing steps, and require additional anodizing, masking, and polishing, leading to quality and durability issues.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a single anodizing process followed by first and second coloring, with partial decoloring using an acidic solution to mix colors naturally without visible boundaries, reducing the need for additional processing steps and enhancing productivity and cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional multi-color housing manufacturing processes (multiple anodizing, masking, cutting, polishing) are used, then multiple colors can be achieved, but the process becomes complex, time-consuming, and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple coloring operations into a single anodizing process. Multiple colors are applied sequentially in one continuous operation, eliminating the need for separate anodizing cycles, masking steps, and intermediate processing. This merging of operations directly reduces process complexity while maintaining multi-color capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary coloring to the entire housing surface first, then performs selective removal in subsequent steps. This preliminary action establishes a base layer that can be partially removed to reveal underlying colors or create patterns, simplifying the overall process by avoiding the need for precise masking from the beginning.
2Ease of manufacture
If cutting or polishing is performed after first coloring to implement second color, then color differentiation is achieved, but the first coating is damaged and product quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses partial removal of the first color layer through selective decoloring rather than complete removal. By removing only the necessary portions of the first coating in targeted areas, the process achieves color differentiation while preserving the majority of the protective coating, thus maintaining product quality and durability.
3Manufacturing precision
If masking is applied for selective coloring, then precise color placement is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase and defect rate depends on masking accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the masking step from the manufacturing process entirely. Instead of applying masks to protect areas during coloring, the method uses selective decoloring techniques that directly create the desired color patterns without requiring physical barriers, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and eliminating masking-related defects.
4Ease of manufacture
If multiple anodizing and coloring steps are performed, then multi-color housing is achieved, but manufacturing time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple anodizing and coloring operations into a single continuous process. By applying multiple colors sequentially in one anodizing cycle without intermediate handling or setup, the method achieves multi-color housing while significantly reducing total manufacturing time and improving productivity.
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 approach allows for a seamless color mixture on the housing surfaces, improving aesthetic appeal while maintaining durability and corrosion resistance, and reducing manufacturing complexity and costs.
Implementation Method 1
first coloring an oxide film with a first colorant having a first color; second coloring the oxide film, colored in the first color, with a second colorant having a second color
Implementation Method 2
decoloring to remove a portion of the first colorant of the oxide film colored in the first color
Implementation Method 3
anodizing forming an oxide film on a surface of a metallic member
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of the disclosure relate to an electronic device and relate to an electronic device including a housing formed through anodizing and a method for manufacturing the housing of the electronic device. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, there may be provided an electronic device including a housing at least partially including an electrically conductive material, where a surface of the electrically conductive material is formed of an oxide film layer having a plurality of cavities, where the plurality of cavities are colored in a first color and a second color, and where the first color and the second color are mixed when the second color is deposited on the first color.