Remote Control Infrared Window Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The large infrared window on remote control devices, made of translucent material, exposes internal circuit members, compromising the device's aesthetics and functionality.

Innovation Solution

A remote control device design featuring a first and second housing with Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) for infrared light transmission, where a window and window button made of infrared-transmitting material cover and expose parts of the circuits, allowing for adjustable exposure of the internal components to enhance infrared transmission and maintain aesthetics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a large infrared window is used to expand the infrared transmission area, then the infrared transmission area is improved, but the internal circuit members are exposed which spoils the beauty of the remote control device

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinfrared transmission areaVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The infrared window is divided into multiple segments (first infrared window and second infrared window) that can be selectively positioned or covered. This segmentation allows the device to provide large infrared transmission area when needed while being able to cover or segment the window area to maintain aesthetic appearance when infrared transmission is not the primary function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The remote control device incorporates a movable cover or adjustable mechanism that can dynamically cover or expose the infrared window. This dynamic capability allows the device to switch between providing maximum infrared transmission area and maintaining aesthetic appearance by covering the window with a matching panel or bezel when not in use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a translucent material is used for the infrared window to transmit infrared light, then the infrared transmission function is improved, but the internal circuit members become visible which compromises the device's aesthetics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinfrared transmission functionVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The window material is designed with specific local properties - it is made translucent or transparent specifically in the regions where infrared transmission is required, while other parts of the device housing maintain opaque, aesthetically pleasing materials. This local quality differentiation allows infrared transmission function to be preserved in specific areas without compromising the overall aesthetic appearance of the device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

A cover panel or bezel acts as an intermediary element that can cover the translucent infrared window when aesthetic appearance is prioritized. This intermediary component allows the device to switch between functional mode (window exposed for infrared transmission) and aesthetic mode (window covered to hide internal circuit members), resolving the contradiction between function and appearance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple infrared transmission units are included to control multiple external devices, then the control versatility is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol versatilityVSAvoidmanufacturing difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The remote control device is designed with multiple infrared transmission units that can be selectively activated or positioned. Each unit serves as a universal infrared transmitter capable of controlling different types of external devices. This multi-functionality approach allows a single device to control multiple devices without requiring completely separate specialized transmitters for each function, thereby improving versatility while managing manufacturing complexity through standardized components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 design expands the infrared transmission area while maintaining the device's appearance by integrating the window button with the battery-receiving space, allowing for adjustable exposure of internal components, thus addressing the aesthetic and functional issues.

Implementation Method 1

a first transmission circuit configured to emit infrared light in a direction in which a first face of the first housing is oriented, a second transmission circuit configured to emit infrared light in a direction in which a second face of the first housing is oriented

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

a window configured to cover at least part of the first transmission circuit and to transmit infrared light emitted by the first transmission circuit, a window button configured to cover at least part of the second transmission circuit and to transmit infrared light emitted by the second transmission circuit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInfrared light transmission: Infrared Radiation

Data Source

PatentEP3491834B1Remote control device including plurality of infrared windows, and display system
Publication Date: 2020.06.10 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3491834B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3491834B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3491834B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, a remote control device includes a first housing; a first transmission circuit for emitting a first infrared light in a direction in which a first face of the first housing; a second transmission circuit for emitting a second infrared light in a direction in which a second face of the first housing; a window for covering at least part of the first transmission circuit and to transmit the first infrared light; a window button for covering at least part of the second transmission circuit and to transmit the second infrared light emitted; and a second housing, wherein the second housing covers a specified region of the first housing if the window button is coupled with hole of the second housing, and exposes the specified region outside the second housing if the window button is separated from the hole.