Protective Window Etching for Camera Hole Reflection Control

Solution Overview

Problem

Reflection phenomena in electronic apparatuses with camera modules, particularly due to the hole structure, can interfere with camera resolution and reliability.

Innovation Solution

A concave-convex pattern is formed in the hole area of the window overlapping the electronic module, using an acid solution on an unfinished protective member with a specific thickness and height ratio, to improve reflectance and surface roughness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a through hole is provided in the electronic panel to expose the electronic module, then the electronic module can be accessed and function properly, but reflection phenomenon occurs in the hole area which interferes with camera resolution and reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera module reliabilityVSAvoidreflection phenomenon

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating a concave-convex pattern specifically in the hole area of the window where reflection occurs, while leaving the peripheral area flat. This localized surface modification targets the reflection problem precisely where it affects camera performance without altering the entire window surface, thereby improving camera reliability while maintaining the through-hole structure's functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs spheroidality by forming concave portions with curved surfaces (hemispherical or truncated cone shapes) in the hole area. These curved surfaces scatter reflected light rays, reducing the intensity and directionality of reflections that interfere with the camera module. The curvature transforms flat reflective surfaces into light-scattering surfaces, effectively mitigating the harmful reflection phenomenon.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Volume of moving object

If the window thickness is reduced to minimize device size, then the overall apparatus becomes more compact, but the reflectance in the hole area increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidreflectance

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating a concave-convex pattern specifically in the hole area of the window where reflection occurs, while leaving the peripheral area flat. This localized surface modification targets the reflection problem precisely where it affects camera performance without altering the entire window surface, thereby improving camera reliability while maintaining the through-hole structure's functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs spheroidality by forming concave portions with curved surfaces (hemispherical or truncated cone shapes) in the hole area. These curved surfaces scatter reflected light rays, reducing the intensity and directionality of reflections that interfere with the camera module. The curvature transforms flat reflective surfaces into light-scattering surfaces, effectively mitigating the harmful reflection phenomenon.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Reliability

If a concave-convex pattern is formed in the hole area to reduce reflection, then camera resolution and reliability improve, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera module reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses an acid-resistant film as an intermediary material during the manufacturing process. The film is applied to the peripheral area of the window, allowing the acid solution to selectively etch only the hole area and form the desired concave-convex pattern. This intermediary film simplifies the manufacturing process by providing a straightforward method to create the complex surface pattern through chemical etching, rather than requiring sophisticated mechanical or additive manufacturing equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 concave-convex pattern reduces reflection issues, enhancing camera module resolution and maintaining the electronic apparatus's reliability under various environmental conditions.

Implementation Method 1

forming a concave-convex pattern by contacting an acid solution with the hole area

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEtching: Ablation

Data Source

PatentUS20240004427A1Electronic apparatus and method of manufacturing the same

Publication Date: 2024.01.04 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

A method of manufacturing an electronic apparatus includes the steps of: providing an electronic panel defining a through hole; providing an electronic module having at least a portion thereof received in the through hole; providing a protective member having a first surface adjacent to the electronic panel, a hole area overlapping the through hole, a peripheral area surrounding the hole area, and a second surface facing the first surface and spaced apart from the electronic module, the providing of the protective member including: providing an unfinished protective member; attaching a film to the peripheral area; and forming a generally concave-convex pattern by contacting an acid solution with the hole area.