Optical Effect Coating With Crossed Micro Openings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Devices with light sensors located behind light transmission elements often compromise the appearance of the device, and existing solutions do not effectively balance light transmission and concealment of internal components for aesthetic purposes.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the sequential printing of two coating layers with elongated micro openings, forming an optical effect coating that increases light transmittance in specific areas while concealing internal components, using ink with adjustable transmittance properties to allow sufficient light for sensing while maintaining a visually opaque appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a light transmission element is made opaque to conceal internal components, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but light transmittance for sensors deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coating layer is segmented into multiple regions with different light transmittance characteristics. A first region has lower light transmittance for aesthetic appearance, while a second region has higher light transmittance for sensor functionality. This spatial segmentation allows simultaneous achievement of both aesthetic concealment and functional light transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the coating layer are assigned different optical properties (light transmittance values) based on their functional requirements. The coating is not uniformly opaque but has locally varied transmittance characteristics, with specific areas optimized for aesthetics and other areas optimized for sensor light reception.
2Reliability
If the coating layer is made highly transmissive for sensors, then light sensing functionality is improved, but concealment of internal components deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coating layer is divided into functional zones: a first region with lower transmittance that conceals internal components from view, and a second region with higher transmittance that ensures sufficient light reaches the sensor. This segmentation allows the coating to simultaneously protect aesthetic appearance and ensure sensor reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The coating exhibits spatially varying light transmittance properties, with local regions optimized for different functions. Areas requiring concealment have lower transmittance, while areas requiring sensor functionality have higher transmittance, achieving both aesthetic and functional requirements through local property differentiation.
3Illumination intensity
If micro holes are made visible in the coating, then light transmittance is improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses inkjet printing technology to deposit coating material through micro-nozzles, creating a fine-porous structure. The porous nature allows light transmission while the fine scale and material properties prevent visual detection of individual pores, maintaining aesthetic appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The coating layer is formed as a porous structure with controlled pore size and distribution. The porosity enables light transmission for sensor functionality, while the pore dimensions and coating properties ensure the pores remain invisible to the human eye, thus maintaining aesthetic appearance.
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 achieves locally increased light transmittance in designated areas for light sensors while ensuring the internal components remain concealed from view, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics by allowing sufficient light for sensing purposes without visible micro holes.
Implementation Method 1
a first printed layer having a plurality of adjacent first micro openings... a second printed layer having a plurality of adjacent second micro openings... the first and second printed layers form an optical effect coating having micro holes
Data Source
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AI summary
A method which may be used for forming an optical effect coating for a light transmission element configured to form a part of a cover of a device is disclosed. The method comprises: printing a first coating layer having a plurality of adjacent first elongated micro openings extending in a first direction in an aperture area, and printing a second coating layer having a plurality of adjacent second elongated micro openings extending in a second direction, the second direction differing from the first direction, in the aperture area. Thereby, an optical effect coating is formed, comprising micro holes formed at intersections of the first and the second elongated micro openings, the micro holes producing locally increased effective light transmittance through the optical effect coating in the aperture area.