Metal Ink Coated Device Shell for Uniform Appearance and RF Performance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Devices with metal shells and internal antennas face challenges in achieving uniform aesthetics while meeting radio frequency characteristics, as metal shells need to be divided by insulating materials, compromising the metallic appearance.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a metal ink layer applied to a device shell, where the ink layer is adhered to the shell's surface after removing the film layer, and reinforced to ensure strong adhesion, allowing the shell to maintain a metallic appearance and meet radio frequency requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If a metal shell is used for the device, then the aesthetics and uniform appearance are improved, but the radio frequency characteristics deteriorate due to the need for insulating partitions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuniform appearanceVSAvoidradio frequency characteristics
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating a metal ink layer only on specific regions of the shell surface where aesthetic appearance is needed, while leaving other regions as the base material. This localized application allows the shell to maintain uniform appearance in visible areas without requiring insulating partitions throughout the entire structure, thus resolving the contradiction between aesthetics and radio frequency characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If insulating material is added to the metal shell for antenna functionality, then the radio frequency characteristics are improved, but the uniform appearance and aesthetics deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradio frequency characteristicsVSAvoiduniform appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a metal ink layer as a visual copy or representation of metal material properties on the shell surface. This ink layer replicates the aesthetic appearance of metal without requiring actual metal material throughout, allowing insulating partitions to be used internally for radio frequency characteristics while maintaining the visual appearance of a uniform metal shell.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

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 method allows the device shell to display a uniform, metallic appearance while ensuring the necessary radio frequency characteristics are met, improving aesthetics and hiding the insulating partition from view.

Implementation Method 1

adhering the membrane to an outer surface of the shell includes: spraying glue onto the outer surface; and attaching the membrane to the outer surface sprayed with glue

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

the ink layer includes a metal ink layer... allowing the shell to maintain a metallic appearance and meet radio frequency requirements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentEP3072705B1Device shell and processing method
Publication Date: 2019.10.30 XIAOMI INC
  • EP3072705B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3072705B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3072705B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Disclosed are a device shell and a method for processing the same, as well as a device, allowing the device shell to be of a uniform appearance as a whole. The method includes: applying an ink layer onto a film layer to form a membrane; adhering the membrane to an outer surface of the shell, the ink layer of the membrane being in contact with the outer surface; and removing the film layer from the membrane adhered to the outer surface, so that the outer surface is adhered with the ink layer.