PDLC Window Concealing Electronic Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices face challenges in incorporating additional components due to spatial constraints and aesthetic concerns, as larger components can clutter the device and compromise its appearance, especially when visually-dependent components like fingerprint scanners and image capture devices require external exposure.
Innovation Solution
The use of a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) window that can change between opaque and transparent configurations, allowing components to be hidden from view when not in use and exposed as needed, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics by concealing components behind a seamless enclosure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional components are added to increase functionality, then the device capabilities are improved, but the aesthetic appeal deteriorates due to cluttered enclosure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts visually-dependent components (fingerprint scanner, image capture device, strobe) from the visible enclosure surface and places them behind a PDLC window. This extraction removes the cluttering elements from the aesthetic view while preserving their functionality, allowing the device to maintain its seamless appearance when these components are not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a PDLC window that can dynamically change between opaque and transparent states. This dynamic property allows the enclosure to adapt its appearance based on component usage: opaque when components are hidden to maintain aesthetics, and transparent when components need to be accessed. This resolves the contradiction by making the aesthetic quality conditional rather than static.
2Shape
If components are concealed behind a window to maintain seamless appearance, then aesthetic appeal is improved, but accessibility to components deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The PDLC window provides dynamic control over component accessibility. When a user needs to access a concealed component, the system can transition the window from opaque to transparent state, making the component visible and accessible. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction by providing full accessibility when needed while maintaining seamless appearance during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The PDLC window acts as an intermediary between the concealed components and the external environment. It mediates the conflict between hiding components for aesthetics and exposing them for accessibility by controlling light transmission. The window allows the system to have both properties simultaneously by being opaque (hiding components) or transparent (exposing components) as required.
3Adaptability or versatility
If larger components are incorporated to enhance functionality, then device capabilities are improved, but spatial area available for other components deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves components from the two-dimensional surface plane of the enclosure into the third dimension by placing them behind the PDLC window within the enclosure volume. This dimensional transition allows components to be incorporated without occupying additional surface area, resolving the contradiction between component size and available spatial area.
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 solution enables the integration of additional components without cluttering the device, maintaining a seamless appearance by hiding components until they are required, thus enhancing both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
The present disclosure generally relates to techniques for concealing components of an electronic device behind a window that can change between opaque and transparent configurations, such as a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) window
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and devices are disclosed for applying concealment of components of an electronic device. In one embodiment, an electronic device may include a component that is disposed behind a window configured to selectively become transparent or opaque, such as a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PLDC) window. The component includes an image capture device, a strobe flash, a biometric sensor, a light sensor, a proximity sensor, or a solar panel, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the electronic device includes data processing circuitry configured to determine when an event requesting that the component be exposed occurs. Furthermore, the electronic device includes a window controller that may control the window to become transparent, to expose the component upon the occurrence of the event requesting that the component be exposed.