Laser-Etched Screen Protector for Customizable Mobile Device Display

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional screen protectors for mobile electronic devices are not customizable, particularly in the active region, limiting users' ability to express individuality or personalize their devices.

Innovation Solution

A screen protector with an etched image on its inner surface, using laser etching on tempered glass, which is visible when the device is off and not visible when on, allowing for customization and protection without interfering with device functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional screen protector is used, then the screen is protected from damage, but the screen cannot be customized in the active region

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecustomizabilityVSAvoidscreen protection effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The screen protector is etched with an image in the inactive region only, leaving the active region completely clear and unmodified. This localized etching approach allows customization in non-critical areas while preserving the full functionality and visual quality of the active display area, thus achieving both adaptability and reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If an etched image is added to the screen protector, then customization is achieved, but the appearance and functionality may be interfered with

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomization capabilityVSAvoidinterference with screen functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The etched image is confined strictly to the inactive region of the screen protector, ensuring that the active region remains completely clear. This spatial separation allows the etched customization to be visible when the screen is off without interfering with display output or touch input functionality when the screen is active

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The etched image is positioned on the inner surface of the screen protector rather than the outer surface. This inversion allows the etching to be visible from the front when the screen is off, while being less noticeable when the screen is on, thus achieving customization without compromising the active display appearance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the etched image is visible when the screen is on, then customization is prominent, but it interferes with the display output

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomization visibilityVSAvoiddisplay brightness and clarity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The etched image is placed exclusively in the inactive region, which does not emit light during normal operation. This ensures that the etched customization is visible when the screen is off or displaying dark content, but completely invisible when the screen is on and displaying bright content, thus avoiding any interference with display output

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The etched image creates a visual effect that is visible under certain lighting conditions (when screen is off) but blends in or becomes invisible under other conditions (when screen is on). This conditional visibility approach allows customization to be prominent when needed while not interfering with normal display operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

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

Provides a customizable and protective screen solution that enhances the user's ability to personalize their device while maintaining functionality and appearance, with the etched image being selectively visible based on the device's screen state.

Implementation Method 1

the etching is a laser etching

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Data Source

PatentUS20210286405A1Electronic device screen etching

Publication Date: 2021.09.16 EVOLUSION CONCEPTS INC

AI summary

An electronic device includes a device screen having an active region where the screen can provide output to a user or receive input from the user. A screen outer layer, such as a removable screen protector, is positionable between the device screen and the user and capable of passing the output or the input therethrough. The screen outer layer includes an active region that corresponds to the active region of the device screen, and the screen outer layer has an etched marking in the active region of the screen outer layer. In one version, the etched marking is provided on the inner surface. A method of using an electronic device includes installing on a device screen a screen outer layer, wherein the screen outer layer includes an active region that corresponds to the active region of the device screen, and wherein the screen outer layer has an etched marking in the active region of the screen outer layer. In one version, the etched marking is provided by a laser on an inner surface of the screen outer layer, wherein the etched marking is not visible when the device screen is powered, and wherein the etched marking is visible when the device screen is off or black.