Diffusively Illuminated Housing for Uniform Light Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Incorporating light-emitting components into electronic devices can result in unintended light patterns and bulkiness, making it challenging to achieve the desired appearance and functionality.
Innovation Solution
The use of a housing with a domed polymer upper wall and multiple light diffusing layers, including a lens diffuser layer, textured diffuser layer, and volume diffuser layer, to spread and guide light emitted by light-emitting components, creating a uniform and visually appealing visual feedback system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If light-emitting components are incorporated into the electronic device, then visual feedback functionality is improved, but the device appearance may be compromised and the device may become overly bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light diffusing layers (lens diffuser layer, textured diffuser layer, and volume diffuser layer) into a single integrated housing structure. The lens diffuser layer is formed directly on the inner surface of the upper housing wall, while the textured and volume diffuser layers are integrated within the same housing assembly, merging multiple optical functions into one unified structure to avoid bulkiness while achieving uniform light distribution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a lens diffuser layer with three-dimensional curved surfaces (convex outer surfaces and concave inner surfaces) to refract and distribute light in multiple directions. This dimensional approach transforms point-source light from the light-emitting component into a uniform area illumination pattern, achieving even light distribution without requiring multiple separate components that would increase device bulk
2Illumination intensity
If light-emitting components emit direct light, then brightness is improved, but the light patterns will not appear as intended and the appearance may not be as desired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different diffusing properties to different regions and layers of the housing structure. The lens diffuser layer provides localized light refraction directly over the light-emitting component, the textured diffuser layer provides moderate diffusion in specific areas, and the volume diffuser layer provides fine diffusion throughout the housing material. This localized application of different diffusing qualities ensures uniform light patterns while maintaining overall brightness
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure combines multiple materials with different optical properties: a transparent or translucent polymer for the upper housing wall, a lens diffuser material with specific refractive index for the lens layer, and a volume diffuser material with light-scattering structures embedded in the housing. This composite material approach enables precise control over light distribution while maintaining brightness and achieving the desired light patterns
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
This solution ensures that light is evenly distributed and visually appealing, enhancing the appearance of electronic devices while providing effective visual feedback to users, such as confirming voice commands and status indicators.
Implementation Method 1
The lens layer may be formed from a transparent member with integral lenses having curved inner surfaces and opposing curved outer surfaces
Implementation Method 2
a textured diffuser layer formed from textured coatings on a substrate
Implementation Method 3
a volume diffuser layer having light-scattering structures in a polymer layer
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a housing, a speaker, control circuitry, a plurality of light-emitting components configured to emit light through an upper housing wall or other housing structure. A lens diffuser layer having lenses overlapping respective light-emitting components, a textured diffuser layer formed from textured coatings on a substrate, and a volume diffuser layer having light-scattering structures in a polymer layer might be included to project light from the light-emitting components. A light-guiding portion of the lens diffuser layer may guide light to a circular peripheral edge to form an illuminated ring visible through the upper housing wall.