Cover Module Light Transmission for Icon Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic device covers with light guiding pillars are limited by simple shapes due to moulding constraints, requiring additional printing processes for complex patterns or symbols, increasing costs and production complexity.
Innovation Solution
A cover module with a light permeable cover, a system signal indicator, and a transmission unit, where the system signal indicator has transparent and opaque portions with indicating icons, allowing light to pass through and display icons on the outer surface without external processing, enabling flexible pattern replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a light guiding pillar with a complex pattern or symbol is used, then the indicating function is improved, but the moulding complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the indicating system into two separate components: a simple light guiding pillar (moulded with basic geometric shape) and a separate indicating icon element (printed or attached separately). This segmentation allows the light guiding pillar to be manufactured using simple moulding processes while the indicating icon can be produced independently and attached to the cover, thereby resolving the contradiction between complex indicating patterns and manufacturing simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the light guiding pillar and the indicating icon into a single integrated cover structure, where the indicating icon is positioned adjacent to the light guiding pillar. This merging allows the simple light guiding pillar to work in conjunction with the indicating icon to achieve complex indicating functionality, without requiring the light guiding pillar itself to have complex patterns moulded into it
2Loss of information
If additional printing processes are applied to the cover, then the indicating pattern is improved, but the production cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the light guiding function and the indicating pattern function into distinct elements. The light guiding pillar maintains a simple geometric shape suitable for moulding, while the indicating icon is applied as a separate layer or element positioned adjacent to the pillar. This segmentation reduces production process complexity by allowing each component to be manufactured using its most suitable process without requiring complex multi-step integration
3Loss of information
If the cover is processed with patterns or symbols, then the indicating function is improved, but the appearance of the cover is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the indicating pattern only in the specific local area adjacent to the light guiding pillar, rather than processing the entire cover surface. The indicating icon is positioned locally next to the pillar, allowing the majority of the cover to maintain its smooth, unprocessed appearance while still providing the necessary indicating function in the localized region where it is needed
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 for clear indication of status icons on the electronic device's cover without external processing, reducing production costs and complexity, and enabling customization of patterns without additional manufacturing steps.
Implementation Method 1
The lighting unit allows for emitting light to the cover module, and the cover module is configured to guide light generated from the lighting unit to pass through the transmission unit, the transparent portion of the system signal indicator, the inner surface of the cover, and the outer surface of the cover
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a cover module and a host having a lighting unit. The cover module has a light permeable cover, a system signal indicator, and a transmission unit. The cover has an outer surface, an opposite inner surface, and a fixing structure extended from the inner surface. The system signal indicator has a transparent portion having a plurality of indicating icons and an opaque portion. The transmission unit is fixed on the fixing structure, and the system signal indicator is sandwiched between the transmission unit and the inner surface. The cover module is installed on the host, and the transmission unit is aligned with the lighting unit. Thus, the transmission unit is used for transmitting light, emitted from the lighting unit, to the outer surface via the system signal indicator and the inner surface in turn, for showing the indicating icons on the outer surface.