Fiber Reinforced Composite Mobile Terminal Case with Hairline Pattern
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mobile terminal cases made through injection molding lack durability and have limited design lifespan due to coarse patterns from screen printing or transfer paper, which fade over time, failing to provide both rigidity and an enhanced external appearance.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of fiber-reinforced composite materials, where a hairline pattern is formed on the surface during injection molding, and a gradation paint layer is applied to create a unique, long-lasting design that hides internal parts while mimicking a textile fabric impression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If screen printing or transfer paper is used to form patterns on injection molding products, then design variety is improved, but pattern durability and appearance quality deteriorate due to coarse forms and fading over time
Solution Approach 1:
The hairline pattern is formed on the injection mold before the injection molding process, so that the pattern is preliminarily prepared and will be automatically transferred to the product surface during molding, eliminating the need for subsequent printing operations that compromise durability
Solution Approach 2:
The pattern formation process is merged with the injection molding process itself. The hairline pattern on the mold surface is transferred to the product during the molding operation, combining decorative pattern creation with structural manufacturing in a single step
2Productivity
If conventional injection molding is used for mobile terminal cases, then manufacturing efficiency is improved, but external appearance quality and individuality deteriorate due to lack of unique surface characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The injection mold incorporates a hairline pattern on specific surface areas where aesthetic quality is required, while maintaining standard molding processes for the overall product formation. This applies enhanced surface quality locally without compromising manufacturing efficiency
3Strength
If fiber reinforced composite material is used for mobile terminal cases, then rigidity and strength are improved, but surface appearance quality deteriorates due to visible internal parts and lack of aesthetic finish
Solution Approach 1:
A paint layer is introduced as an intermediary between the fiber reinforced composite material and the external environment. This paint layer conceals the internal fiber structure and provides the desired aesthetic appearance, while the composite material maintains its structural benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The solution uses a composite approach combining fiber reinforced composite material for structural integrity with a paint coating for aesthetic surface quality, creating a multi-layer composite structure that achieves both strength and appearance requirements
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 method enhances the external appearance and individuality of mobile terminal cases by creating a durable, aesthetically pleasing design that prevents internal parts from being visible, offering a longer-lasting solution compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
forming the hairline pattern on an outer surface of the fiber reinforced composite material by compressing the fiber reinforced composite material against on the injection mold
Implementation Method 2
forming a gradation paint layer at the outer surface of the fiber reinforced composite material having the hairline pattern
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)~2(d)
Figure 3
AI summary
A mobile terminal case and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The mobile terminal case includes a three-dimensional curved body or plane shape having a circumferential edge lower than its center and formed from a fiber reinforced composite material; and a gradation paint layer formed at an outer surface of the body formed from fiber reinforced composite material.