Screen Protector with Laser-Etched Image and Chemical Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing screen protectors either display distracting images under illumination or fail to fully disappear when the screen is active, causing visual interference.
Innovation Solution
A screen protector with an image etched into the top surface using a laser, activated by a chemical process, allowing the image to be visible when the screen is off and transparent/translucent when the screen is on, utilizing micro-fractures to modulate light transmission and an adhesive layer for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If reflective metal particles are used to embed images in the screen protector, then the image is visible under ambient light, but the image does not fully disappear and shows up as a watermark when the device is illuminated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the screen protector material by using nanocrystalline materials with specific grain sizes (1-100 nm) that exhibit different light transmission properties. The material transitions from being opaque to transparent when exposed to light from the display screen, eliminating the watermark effect while maintaining image visibility when the device is off.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite material system consisting of nanocrystalline particles embedded in a transparent substrate. This composite structure allows the material to exhibit dual optical states - opaque for displaying images when the screen is off, and transparent when the screen is on, thus resolving the contradiction between image visibility and watermark elimination.
2Illumination intensity
If the screen protector displays an image when the screen is off, then aesthetic effect is achieved, but the image interferes with screen content visibility when the screen is on
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic optical property in the screen protector where the material's light transmission characteristics change based on the illumination state. The nanocrystalline material dynamically transitions between opaque and transparent states, allowing the screen protector to adapt its function - displaying images when the screen is off and becoming transparent when the screen is on to avoid interfering with content visibility.
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 solution effectively displays an image when the screen is inactive and becomes invisible when the screen is activated, enhancing user experience by eliminating visual distractions and ensuring clear visibility of the screen content.
Implementation Method 1
the image being formed by micro-fractures in the top surface created by a laser
Implementation Method 2
the image being visible when installed on an inactivated screen through light passing through unetched portions of the image
Implementation Method 3
the image being formed by micro-fractures in the top surface created by a laser and activated by a chemical process
Data Source
AI summary
A screen protector including a screen protector substrate having an image etched on a top surface thereof formed by micro-fractures in the top surface created by a laser and activated by a chemical process, the image being visible when installed on an inactivated screen through light passing through unetched portions of the image and the image being transparent/translucent on an activated screen. A method of making a screen protector, by etching an image into a screen protector substrate by striking a top surface of the screen protector substrate with a laser and creating micro-fractures in the top surface, forming intervals that allow light to pass through unetched portions of the image, applying a chemical compound, applying an anti-fingerprinting coating, and applying an adhesive layer for adhering the screen protector substrate to a screen. A method of protecting a screen and displaying an image.