Electrochromic Cover for Uniform Device Appearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic device housings often feature aesthetically unpleasing openings for components like camera lenses and flashes due to color discrepancies between the component and the housing, disrupting a smooth, uniform appearance.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a component cover system that is configurable between opaque and transparent states, using electrochromic film or similar technologies, allowing for adjustable light transmissivity and color matching with the housing, controlled by a power supply and cover controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a transparent cover is used to protect camera components, then the component functionality is maintained, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to color discrepancy between the component and housing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies electrochromic film to the component cover that can change its optical properties between transparent and opaque states. When the cover is in the opaque state, it displays a color matching the housing (e.g., black for a black housing), creating visual uniformity. When switched to transparent state, it allows the camera component to be visible while maintaining protection. This dynamic color/transparency change resolves the contradiction between aesthetic appearance and component visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The component cover transitions from a static transparent material to a dynamic system that can switch between transparent and opaque states based on user input or operational conditions. The electrochromic film responds to electrical signals to change its light transmissivity, allowing the cover to adapt its appearance between different states - opaque for aesthetic purposes and transparent for component visibility - thus resolving the fixed-state contradiction.
2Shape
If a colored cover matching the housing is used, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the component visibility and functionality are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cover transitions from a static opaque colored material to a dynamic electrochromic system that can switch between opaque (for aesthetic uniformity) and transparent (for component visibility) states. The dynamic switching capability allows the system to provide visual uniformity when needed while maintaining component visibility when required, resolving the contradiction between these two opposing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrochromic film changes its optical properties from opaque colored state to transparent state, allowing the same cover to serve dual purposes: providing aesthetic uniformity when opaque and enabling component visibility when transparent. This dynamic color/transparency change eliminates the need to choose between aesthetic appearance and component visibility.
3Shape
If a static opaque cover is used, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the adaptability to different operational states is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cover system transitions from a static opaque design to a dynamic electrochromic system that can adapt its state based on operational conditions. The cover can switch between opaque (for aesthetic uniformity during normal use) and transparent (for component access during operation or adjustment) states, providing the adaptability needed for different operational scenarios while maintaining aesthetic appearance during normal operation.
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 enhances the aesthetic appeal of electronic devices by seamlessly integrating component covers with the housing, improving the visual uniformity and operational functionality of components like camera lenses and flashes.
Implementation Method 1
the component cover is configurable between at least a first state and a second state. In some embodiments, light transmissivity through the component cover is greater when in the second state than when in the first state
Data Source
AI summary
In a broad aspect, embodiments described herein are generally directed to an electronic device comprising: a housing; a component mounted within the housing; a component cover in fixed relation to the housing; wherein the component cover is configurable between at least a first state and a second state; and wherein light transmissivity through the component cover is greater when in the second state than when in the first state. In some implementations, in the first state the component cover is substantially opaque, or in the second state the component cover is substantially transparent.