Quantum Dot Exterior Features for Electronic Device Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices with reflective and transmissive colorants are limited in illuminating features of various colors under broad spectrum lighting, as they cannot change the wavelength of light, leading to inefficient use of light sources and reduced color saturation, especially when internal light sources emit non-white light.
Innovation Solution
Applying quantum dots to the exterior features of electronic devices, which absorb and re-emit light of specific wavelengths, allowing for the generation of a broad spectrum of visible light and increased intensity, regardless of the internal light source's spectrum.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If reflective and transmissive colorants are used for features on electronic device exterior surfaces, then features can be visible under broad spectrum lighting conditions, but the features cannot change the wavelength of light leading to limited color saturation and inefficient use of internal light sources emitting non-white light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies quantum dots with specific size parameters to features on the exterior surface. By controlling the size of quantum dots, the emission wavelength can be precisely tuned to match the desired feature color, transforming the narrow spectrum output from high-energy light sources into the specific visible wavelengths needed for color display. This parameter-based control resolves the contradiction by enabling both high color saturation and efficient energy utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
Quantum dots serve as an intermediary substance between the internal light source and the feature display. The quantum dots absorb high-energy photons from the light source and re-emit at specific visible wavelengths, acting as a wavelength conversion mediator. This intermediary enables features to display accurate colors even when illuminated by non-white light sources, resolving both the color saturation and energy efficiency issues.
2Device complexity
If a blue internal light source is used in a device with red, green, yellow or white colored features, then the device structure is simplified, but the features cannot be correctly illuminated by transmission of blue light through those features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates quantum dots with specifically tuned emission parameters into each feature. For example, red features contain quantum dots that emit at red wavelengths when excited by blue light, green features contain quantum dots emitting at green wavelengths, and so on. This parameter-based wavelength conversion allows a single blue light source to illuminate multiple colored features accurately, simplifying device structure while maintaining illumination accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions (features) on the device exterior are given different local qualities through the application of quantum dots with specific emission characteristics. Each feature's quantum dots are tailored to emit the specific color needed for that feature, enabling a simple blue light source to produce diverse colored features through localized quantum dot properties rather than requiring complex multi-wavelength light sources.
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 efficient use of light energy, enhances color saturation, and ensures features can be illuminated in any color, even with high-energy, short-wavelength light sources, improving visibility in various lighting conditions.
Implementation Method 1
quantum dots, which absorb and re-emit light of specific wavelengths
Data Source
AI summary
Applying quantum dots to surface features of an electronic device to augment or replace reflective and transmissive features. Applying quantum dots can yield more efficient illumination of those features and can permit use of diverse internal light sources to cause those features to emit any color of visible light. An electronic device, keyboard for same and method of applying features to areas of the exterior surface of an electronic device are provided. Quantum dots are applied to an area of the exterior surface that is illuminated by the device's internal light source. The quantum dots absorb incident light then emit predetermined longer wavelength light. The interior light may be a UV light, high energy light emitting diode, or back light. The quantum dots can be applied to exterior surfaces, buttons or key on electronic devices, mobile devices, and keyboards for mobile devices.