Chin Plate for Portable Computing Device Footprint Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic devices face challenges in reducing their footprint while maintaining structural support and functionality, as reducing the display housing frame can expose internal components to damage and reduce functionality.
Innovation Solution
A cover plate made from a transparent substrate with multiple layers, including a first layer for texture and a second layer for aesthetics, applied to the display to provide structural support and hide internal components, allowing for reduced display housing dimensions without compromising functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the display housing frame is reduced in size, then the overall device footprint is reduced, but the structural support and rigidity provided to the display is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining multiple layers (transparent substrate, first layer, second layer, third layer) to create a cover plate that provides both structural support and aesthetic functionality. This multi-layer composite structure compensates for the reduced structural support from the smaller frame while maintaining the reduced device footprint.
2Volume of moving object
If the display housing frame is reduced in size, then the overall device footprint is reduced, but internal components are exposed to the environment making them susceptible to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The cover plate serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, protects internal components from environmental exposure, and maintains aesthetic appearance. This multi-functional component addresses the component exposure issue while supporting the reduced frame design.
3Volume of moving object
If internal components are relocated from the display housing to the bottom portion, then the display housing can be reduced in size, but new data communication wiring must be introduced increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts internal components from the display housing and relocates them to the bottom portion, enabling the display housing to be reduced in size. The cover plate remains in the display housing to maintain its structural and protective functions, while the relocated components are positioned in the bottom portion where they can connect via data communication pathways.
4Volume of moving object
If internal components are removed from the display housing, then the display housing can be reduced in size, but the functionality of the portable electronic device is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cover plate is designed to perform multiple functions including structural support, component protection, and aesthetic presentation. By maintaining the cover plate in the reduced display housing while relocating other components, the device preserves its functionality despite the reduced housing size.
Data Source
AI summary
A cover plate for a portable electronic device is disclosed. The cover plate can be used as a cosmetic feature disposed on a display or cover glass of the portable computing device. For instance, the cover plate may include one or may layers disposed on a surface of the cover plate. In some cases, the layers are formed on a rear surface of the cover plate. In addition to enhancing the appearance of the portable electronic device, the cover plate provides additional a protective layer to internal components positioned behind the cover plate. Moreover, the cover plate may formed from an electromagnetically transparent material such as glass to allow receipt and/or transmission of electromagnetic waves in the form of radio frequencies. Also, the cover plate offers protection to the display and cover glass when the portable electronic device is in a closed configuration.