Light-Source Cover Knurl Spin Finish Diffusion

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional light-source covers for portable devices, such as mobile phones and cameras, inadequately diffuse light, leading to poor illuminance and visibility issues, as they either obscure the light source too much or allow it to be seen externally, compromising both photography quality and appearance.

Innovation Solution

A light-source cover made of optical materials like acrylic resin or polycarbonate with knurl or spin finishes on its surfaces, specifically designed to diffuse light evenly while obscuring the light source not in use from external view, maintaining an attractive appearance and ensuring sufficient illuminance for photography.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a light-source cover with medium print and light diffusion agent is used, then the light source is obscured from external view, but the illuminance is considerably reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveappearanceVSAvoidilluminance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The light-source cover applies different surface finishes to different regions: the front surface has a knurl finish for light diffusion while the back surface has a spin finish for obscuration. This local differentiation allows each region to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the surface texture parameters by introducing knurl and spin finishes with specific geometric characteristics. These finishes create micro-structures that control light scattering while maintaining overall transparency, thereby improving both appearance and illuminance compared to conventional medium prints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Volume of moving object

If a simple light source like LED is used in mobile phones, then the device size is reduced, but the light diffusion effect is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidlight diffusion effect

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The light-source cover applies different surface finishes to different regions: the front surface has a knurl finish for light diffusion while the back surface has a spin finish for obscuration. This local differentiation allows each region to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the surface texture parameters by introducing knurl and spin finishes with specific geometric characteristics. These finishes create micro-structures that control light scattering while maintaining overall transparency, thereby improving both appearance and illuminance compared to conventional medium prints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Illumination intensity

If the light source is made visible externally, then the illuminance is sufficient, but the appearance is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveilluminanceVSAvoidappearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The light-source cover applies different surface finishes to different regions: the front surface has a knurl finish for light diffusion while the back surface has a spin finish for obscuration. This local differentiation allows each region to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the surface texture parameters by introducing knurl and spin finishes with specific geometric characteristics. These finishes create micro-structures that control light scattering while maintaining overall transparency, thereby improving both appearance and illuminance compared to conventional medium prints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter 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

The solution provides appropriate light diffusion and concealment of the light source, enhancing photography quality and maintaining a stylish appearance without increasing the device's size, ensuring high portability and effective use of simple light sources like LEDs in dark conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a light-source cover made of an optical material and having a front surface with a knurl finish composed of linear grooves

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Implementation Method 2

a back surface with a spin finish composed of ripple grooves

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Data Source

PatentUS7819559B2Light-source cover and portable device therewith

Publication Date: 2010.10.26 SHARP KK

AI summary

A light-source cover for controlling transmission of light from a light source mounted in a portable device is made of an optical material. The front surface of the light-source cover has a knurl finish composed of linear grooves and the back surface thereof has a spin finish composed of ripple grooves. Alternatively, both the front and back surfaces of the light-source cover have knurl finishes composed of linear grooves. Still alternatively, only the back surface of the light-source cover has a knurl finish or a spin finish.