Microperforated Mask and Curved Spring for Portable Electronics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic devices face challenges with aesthetically unpleasing sensor apertures, light leakage from display modules, and deformation of compression springs, which affect their functionality and appearance.
Innovation Solution
The use of a transparent cover glass with microperforations to obscure sensors, opaque tape to reduce light leakage, and compression springs with a curved cantilever shape or self-strengthening tips to prevent deformation, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a transparent cover glass is used to cover the display, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but sensors underneath cannot transmit radiation effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies microperforations in the mask layer to create a porous structure that allows radiation to pass through while maintaining the opaque appearance. The microperforated mask enables sensors to transmit radiation through the cover glass effectively, resolving the contradiction between aesthetic appearance and sensor functionality.
2Device complexity
If conventional display modules are used, then the structure is simple, but light leaks through cracks or joints in the housing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses light-blocking tape applied to the exterior surface of the display module to prevent light leakage. This thin film approach blocks light from escaping through cracks or joints while maintaining the simplicity of the display module structure.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional button springs are used, then the manufacturing is simple, but they become deformed and non-functional when fully compressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs compression springs with curved cantilever shapes instead of conventional straight springs. The curved geometry allows the spring to be fully compressed without deforming or becoming non-functional, while still being manufacturable using standard spring fabrication processes.
4Reliability
If sensor apertures are made visible on the device surface, then sensor functionality is maintained, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a mask layer with microperforations that creates different optical properties in different locations. The mask is opaque in most areas to maintain aesthetics, but has microperforations in specific locations to allow radiation transmission for sensors, thus achieving local quality differentiation.
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
These solutions allow for improved sensor functionality, reduced light leakage, and increased durability of compression springs, resulting in more aesthetically pleasing and functional portable electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
A mask for cover glass in an electronic device may include microperforations. The microperforations may allow light and other radiation to pass through the mask and cover glass.
Implementation Method 2
Strips of opaque tape may be applied to the exterior surface of the display module (e.g., to the exterior surface of a chassis for the display) to reduce light leakage from the display
Implementation Method 3
a compression spring may be formed with a curved cantilever shape so that the spring does not plastically deform even if the spring is completely compressed
Implementation Method 4
a compression spring may be formed with a variable cantilever shape and may incorporate a self-strengthening tip portion that increases the uncompressed height of the spring following a complete compression of the spring
Data Source
AI summary
Portable electronic devices are provided. A device may include cover glass with a light mask. The light mask may be microperforated to allow light to pass through the light mask. The microperforations may allow light to pass through the light mask. The devices may include sensors and light emitters that receive and transmit light through the microperforations. The devices may include a variable cantilever spring as part of a button assembly. The spring may be flattened against itself without exceeding its elastic limit. The devices may include display modules. The display module may include structures that block light from leaking out of the module. The structures may include opaque tapes, opaque enclosures for the display module, and other suitable structures.