Optical Module Window Fusion for Wider Light Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

The limited transmission area of windows for optical modules in electronic devices restricts design freedom and can visually expose internal elements, especially when the attachment area is decorative.

Innovation Solution

The window is fused to the housing or window frame using laser fusion, reducing the attachment area to 0.5 mm or less while maintaining or enhancing bonding strength, allowing for improved design freedom.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the attachment area of the window is increased to ensure bonding strength, then the bonding reliability is improved, but the light transmission area is reduced and design freedom is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebonding reliabilityVSAvoidlight transmission area
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the bonding method from mechanical attachment to laser fusion, fundamentally altering the bonding parameters. This enables achieving high bonding reliability with minimal attachment area (0.5 mm or less), thereby maximizing light transmission area while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical bonding systems (adhesives, mechanical fasteners) with laser fusion technology. This substitution eliminates the need for large attachment areas required by mechanical methods, as laser fusion achieves strong bonding through localized melting and fusion at the interface, significantly reducing the attachment area while improving bonding reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Shape

If the attachment area is made decorative to enhance外观设计, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but internal elements may be visually exposed and design freedom is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoiddesign freedom
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

By changing the bonding method to laser fusion, the attachment area is reduced to 0.5 mm or less, which is too small to be visually significant. This allows the window edge to appear clean and seamless, providing design freedom for various aesthetic configurations without being constrained by visible attachment areas

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the attachment function from the visible window area and concentrates it into a minimal interface region through laser fusion. This separation allows the main window surface to be fully dedicated to aesthetic and optical functions, while the bonding function is fulfilled in an invisible, minimal zone

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Use of energy by moving object

If the attachment area is reduced to maximize light transmission, then light transmission efficiency is improved, but bonding strength may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight transmission efficiencyVSAvoidbonding strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical bonding with laser fusion, which creates molecular-level bonding through melting and fusion. This enables achieving exceptional bonding strength in a minimal area (0.5 mm or less), thereby maximizing light transmission efficiency without compromising structural integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent fundamentally changes the bonding mechanism from surface-level mechanical attachment to deep material fusion. This parameter change enables concentrating bonding strength into a minimal attachment area, allowing the majority of the window area to be dedicated to light transmission while maintaining adequate bonding strength

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

This method allows for a smaller attachment area with equivalent or improved bonding strength, enhancing the aesthetic design possibilities of electronic devices.

Implementation Method 1

the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface are irradiated with a laser and are fused

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser fusion: Laser Beam Welding

Implementation Method 2

melting and fusing the materials to bond the window to the window frame

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Data Source

PatentEP4277244B1Electronic device comprising window for optical module
Publication Date: 2025.11.12 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4277244B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4277244B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4277244B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

According to a certain embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device comprises: a housing; a window frame, which is arranged in the housing and provides at least one opening through which the inside of the housing is exposed to the outside of the housing; at least one window coupled to the window frame to close the at least one opening; and at least one optical module arranged inside the housing, and configured to receive external light incident through the at least one window, wherein the at least one window comprises: an inner surface facing the inside of the housing; a side surface facing the inner wall of the at least one opening; and a first inclined surface connecting the side surface to the inner surface, and the first inclined surface can be in contact with the inner wall while inclined with respect to the inner surface and the side surface. Other various embodiments are possible.