Transparent Substrate Visual Tactile Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumer electronic devices lack innovative methods to integrate visually appealing and tactilely engaging features that enhance both aesthetics and user experience, with existing solutions often resulting in flat, two-dimensional, and passive visual elements.
Innovation Solution
The integration of visual elements on an inner surface of a partially transparent or translucent substrate, such as glass or polymer, combined with tactile elements on the outer surface, which can change appearance with viewing angle and provide complementary tactile feedback, enhancing both the visual and tactile experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If visual elements are disposed on the inner surface of a transparent substrate to protect them from wear, then the visual elements are protected from damage, but the visual appearance becomes flat and two-dimensional
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by forming tactile elements that protrude from the outer surface of the substrate. These tactile elements create three-dimensional visual effects when viewed through the transparent substrate, transforming the flat two-dimensional appearance into a multi-dimensional visual experience while keeping the visual element protected on the inner surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the substrate into two distinct surfaces: an inner surface containing the protected visual element and an outer surface containing the tactile elements. This segmentation allows each surface to fulfill its specific function - the inner surface provides protection while the outer surface provides tactile feedback and visual depth - without compromising the other.
2Ease of operation
If tactile elements are added to the outer surface to provide tactile feedback, then user interaction is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the visual display function and tactile feedback function into a single integrated substrate structure. The tactile elements are formed directly on the outer surface of the same substrate that contains the visual element on its inner surface, eliminating the need for separate tactile components and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent substrate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it protects the visual element on its inner surface, provides tactile feedback through elements on its outer surface, and enables visual display. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby reducing device complexity while enhancing user interaction.
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 creates a visually stimulating, three-dimensional effect that enhances the device's aesthetic appeal and user interaction, providing a unique combination of visual and tactile features that improve consumer acceptance and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
applying an etch resistive ink to the first major surface of the substrate to mask portions thereof
Implementation Method 2
exposing the substrate to an acid solution to etch the substrate
Implementation Method 3
a visual element disposed on an inner surface of an at least partially transparent, at least partially transmissive, or at least partially translucent substrate such that the visual element is seen by the user through the substrate
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and apparatus provide for an improved visual and optionally tactile features on a visible element of an article, such as a consumer electronic device (e.g., a mobile electronic device, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet, a phablet, a notebook computer, a laptop, etc.).