Metal Plate Oxide Texture for Gloss and Irregular Surface Contrast

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices with aluminum exteriors lack a novel texture due to uniform high-gloss or sanding specifications, failing to meet user demands for aesthetic variety.

Innovation Solution

A manufacturing method involving a metal member with irregularities formed by substituting a second metal with a first solution and etching a flat portion, followed by an oxide layer formation on the surface to create a partially shiny texture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If high-gloss specifications or sanding specifications are applied to the aluminum exterior surface, then the surface uniformity is improved, but the aesthetic variety and novel texture are lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface uniformityVSAvoidaesthetic variety
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating different surface regions with distinct characteristics: a first region with irregularities providing a non-uniform texture, and a second region with a uniform flat surface. This resolves the contradiction by allowing both surface uniformity (in the second region) and aesthetic variety (in the first region with irregularities and oxide layer) to coexist in different parts of the same exterior surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite materials by forming an oxide layer on the aluminum exterior material surface. This oxide layer, combined with the underlying metal substrate and the irregularities, creates a composite structure that provides both the uniformity of the metal base and the aesthetic variety through the oxide layer's optical properties and surface morphology.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Illumination intensity

If the aluminum surface is flattened through wet polishing or dry polishing, then the gloss is maximized, but the novel texture and irregular curves are eliminated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface glossVSAvoidsurface texture
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of flattening the surface to achieve gloss, the patent inverts the approach by intentionally creating irregularities and then forming an oxide layer that provides both the desired gloss and the novel texture. The oxide layer formation process transforms the irregular surface into a glossy finish while preserving the underlying irregular curves, resolving the contradiction between gloss and texture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by altering the surface morphology through controlled irregularity formation and oxide layer deposition. This changes the surface parameters from a completely flat, polished state to one with controlled irregularities and an oxide coating, achieving both gloss (through the oxide layer) and novel texture (through the irregular curves) simultaneously.

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 method provides an electronic device exterior with a partially shiny texture, enhancing aesthetic appeal by forming irregular curves on the surface.

Implementation Method 1

a first portion including irregularities formed by at least one second metal included in a first solution, the at least one second metal being substituted for the a portion of the metal member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMetal substitution reaction: Redox Reactions

Implementation Method 2

a flat second portion etched by the first solution

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical etching: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 3

an oxide layer formed on at least one surface of the metal member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Data Source

PatentUS12501568B2Electronic device including plate, plate, and method for manufacturing plate
Publication Date: 2025.12.16 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US12501568B2 patent drawing
  • US12501568B2 patent drawing
  • US12501568B2 patent drawing

AI summary

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device may comprise a housing including a front plate and a rear plate and a display. At least one of the front plate or the rear plate may include a plate exposed to an outside. The plate may include a metal member including a first metal and an oxide layer formed on at least one surface of the metal member. The metal member may comprise a first portion including irregularities formed by at least one second metal included in a first solution, the at least one second metal being substituted for the a portion of the metal member, the at least one second metal being removed from the metal member by the first solution and a flat second portion etched by the first solution.