Multi-Layer Glass Cover with Protruding Camera Features
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for shaping and texturing electronic device enclosures from glass are challenging due to the brittleness of glass materials, making it difficult to create complex features and textures effectively.
Innovation Solution
A glass cover member is formed using multiple layers of glass, where the protruding features are created by bonding two or more glass layers together, allowing for increased thickness and complexity in design while maintaining structural integrity through fusion bonding and chemical strengthening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional plastic or metal materials are used for enclosure components, then shaping and texturing can be achieved using traditional molding and machining techniques, but the materials lack the optical properties and durability of glass
Solution Approach 1:
The glass enclosure component is divided into multiple separate glass layers that are bonded together. This segmentation allows each layer to be manufactured and shaped independently using traditional glassworking techniques, avoiding the need to shape a single large glass piece while maintaining the optical properties and durability of glass materials.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple glass layers are bonded together to create a composite glass structure. This composite approach combines the advantages of glass (optical properties, durability) with the manufacturability of layered construction, where each layer can be processed separately before final assembly.
2Strength
If glass materials are used for enclosure components, then optical properties and durability are improved, but shaping and texturing become difficult due to brittleness
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the glass enclosure into multiple thinner layers, each layer is less prone to breaking during shaping operations. The segmented structure allows traditional glassworking techniques to be applied to smaller, more manageable pieces while the final bonded assembly achieves the desired complexity and optical properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The glass layers are shaped, textured, and prepared in advance before bonding together. This preliminary action allows complex features to be created in each layer using traditional techniques while the layers remain relatively simple and manageable individually, reducing the difficulty of the overall manufacturing process.
3Device complexity
If multiple glass layers are bonded together to create thicker portions and protruding features, then design complexity and durability are enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex glass enclosure is segmented into multiple layers, each with specific functions and features. This segmentation allows each layer to be manufactured using standard techniques while the combination of layers creates the overall complex design, distributing the manufacturing complexity across simpler individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple glass layers are merged through bonding to create a unified structure with enhanced durability and optical properties. The merging process combines the advantages of each layer while maintaining the ability to manufacture each layer separately, reducing the overall manufacturing complexity compared to creating a single complex glass piece.
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
This approach enables the creation of electronic device enclosures with complex features and textures, enhancing durability and optical properties, such as gloss and haze, while minimizing machining requirements and ensuring resistance to impact and bending.
Implementation Method 1
The two or more glass layers may be bonded (e.g., fused) together
Implementation Method 2
The glass member is typically chemically strengthened as described in greater detail below
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides members formed from multiple layers as well as enclosures and electronic devices that include the members. The members include glass members formed from multiple layers of glass. In some cases, the members include a protruding feature provided over a camera assembly of the electronic device. The member may define one or more through-holes that extend through the protruding feature. The protruding feature may define a textured region that may be configured to provide a matte or glossy appearance.