Backlit Icon Cover Plate With Aperture-Controlled Light Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices with printed icons or logos lack the ability to render them invisible or change their color in real time, failing to meet modern design requirements.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a light-shielding layer having an icon area and openings with an aperture ratio between 0% and 20%, allowing the icons to be rendered invisible and enabling real-time color changes through control of light-emitting elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If icons or logos are printed on electronic devices using ink in screen printing, inkjet printing, or lithography processes, then the icons or logos can be formed on the device surface, but the icons or logos cannot be rendered invisible or have their color changed in real time
Solution Approach 1:
The icon area of the light-shielding layer is segmented into multiple openings with different aperture ratios. By dividing the icon region into discrete controllable units (openings), the system can independently control light transmission in different areas, enabling selective invisibility and color changing capabilities while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of the light-shielding layer's optical properties by adjusting the aperture ratio of openings in real time. This dynamic adjustment allows the icons to transition between visible and invisible states, and to change colors, transforming a static printed design into a dynamic, reconfigurable display element.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a light-shielding layer with openings is used to enable icons to be rendered invisible, then the adaptability is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase due to the need for specific aperture ratios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the aperture ratio of openings as the primary control mechanism. By systematically varying the aperture ratio parameter within specific ranges, the system achieves different optical effects (visible/invisible states, color changes) without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances on individual opening dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves color changing functionality by controlling the aperture ratio of openings in the light-shielding layer. Different aperture ratios allow different amounts of light to pass through, creating perceived color changes in the icons. This approach enables color variation through optical control rather than requiring multiple ink layers or complex color printing processes.
3Ease of manufacture
If existing printing methods are used for icons, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the design flexibility and appearance quality are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The light-shielding layer with controllable openings serves multiple functions: it acts as a structural component, a display element, and a color-changing mechanism. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate printing layers and control mechanisms, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while significantly enhancing design flexibility and appearance quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical printing processes (screen printing, inkjet printing, lithography) with an optical control system based on adjustable aperture ratios. This substitution eliminates the need for complex printing infrastructure while enabling dynamic design changes, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture while dramatically improving adaptability.
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
The solution allows icons to be invisibly rendered and their colors changed in real time, enhancing design flexibility and reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
The light-shielding layer has an icon area, and the light-shielding layer has a plurality of openings in the icon area. In addition, the plurality of openings have an aperture ratio in the icon area, and the aperture ratio is greater than 0% and less than or equal to 20%.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a light-emitting element, a cover plate and a light-shielding layer. The cover plate is disposed on the light-emitting element. The light-shielding layer is disposed on a side of the cover plate adjacent to the light-emitting element. The light-shielding layer has an icon area, and the light-shielding layer has a plurality of openings in the icon area. In addition, the plurality of openings have an aperture ratio in the icon area, and the aperture ratio is greater than 0% and less than or equal to 20%.