Six-Sided Glass Enclosure for Seamless Touch and Force Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic device enclosures are limited in functionality and aesthetics, particularly when formed from materials like plastic or metal, which do not allow for seamless integration of multiple transparent sides with touch and force-sensitive displays.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a six-sided glass enclosure, comprising multiple glass members with varying thicknesses and textures, allowing for transparent and seamless integration of touch and force-sensitive displays across all sides, with dynamic operation based on user interaction and orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional plastic or metal enclosures are used, then manufacturing is easier and cost is lower, but aesthetic appeal and functionality are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure is divided into multiple glass members (first glass member, second glass member, third glass member) with different thicknesses and positions. Each member can be manufactured separately and then assembled together, allowing for complex multi-sided transparent enclosures while maintaining ease of manufacturing for each individual component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite construction by combining multiple glass members with varying thicknesses and properties to create a multi-sided transparent enclosure. This composite approach enables both aesthetic appeal and enhanced functionality while maintaining manufacturability through modular assembly.
2Shape
If a single-piece glass enclosure is used, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of manufacturing a single complex glass piece, the enclosure is segmented into multiple glass members (first, second, and third glass members) with different thicknesses. These individual members are easier to manufacture and can be assembled to create the desired multi-sided transparent appearance, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
3Strength
If glass members with varying thicknesses are used, then structural integrity and display quality are improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the enclosure are assigned different glass member thicknesses based on local requirements. Thicker glass members are positioned where structural integrity is most needed (such as corners and edges), while thinner members are used in areas where structural support is less critical. This localized approach optimizes strength while managing manufacturing precision requirements.
4Illumination intensity
If transparent glass enclosure is implemented, then visual continuity and user interaction are enhanced, but force sensing capability becomes more difficult to detect
Solution Approach 1:
A force-sensing system is introduced as an intermediary component within the glass enclosure structure. This system includes sensing elements that can detect applied forces through the transparent glass members, enabling force sensing capability while maintaining the visual continuity and aesthetic appearance of the transparent enclosure design.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a six-sided glass enclosure defining an interior volume and comprising a first glass member and a second glass member. The first glass member defines at least a portion of a first major side of the six-sided glass enclosure, at least a portion of a peripheral side of the six-sided glass enclosure, a first region along the peripheral side and having a first thickness, and a second region along the peripheral side and having a second thickness different from the first thickness. The second glass member is attached to the first glass member and defines at least a portion of a second major side of the six-sided glass enclosure. The electronic device further includes a touchscreen display within the interior volume and positioned adjacent at least a portion of each of the six sides of the six-sided glass enclosure.