Thermosensitive Recording Medium Convexo-Concave Protective Member

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Solution Overview

Problem

Thermosensitive recording media used for decorating applications, such as smartphone exteriors, lack durability due to susceptibility to scratches and dirt, and have a high likelihood of damage from physical forces.

Innovation Solution

A thermosensitive recording medium with a recording layer containing a coloring compound, developer, photothermal conversion agent, and polymer material, combined with a protective member having a convexo-concave shape, which reduces contact area and enhances durability by providing scratch and dirt resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a flat protective member is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the durability against scratches and dirt is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidprotective member structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The protective member is designed with a convexo-concave shape featuring multiple convex portions and concave portions on its surface. This curvature-based design reduces the contact area between external objects and the recording layer, thereby improving scratch resistance and durability while maintaining aesthetic appeal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the protective member's surface are designed with varying heights and curvatures. The convex portions protrude closer to the recording layer while concave portions recede, creating localized variations in protection level and visual appearance that enhance both durability and design flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a convexo-concave protective member is used, then scratch and dirt resistance is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescratch resistanceVSAvoidmanufacturing process

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The protective member is constructed as a thin film or shell structure that can be formed through coating or lamination processes. This approach allows the convexo-concave pattern to be created using conventional film-forming techniques, reducing manufacturing complexity despite the surface complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The convexo-concave pattern is pre-formed in the protective member before it is applied to the recording layer. This preliminary structuring allows the complex shape to be manufactured separately using optimized processes, then integrated with the recording layer in a simple assembly step.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a convexo-concave protective member is used, then dirt resistance is improved, but the surface area for design flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirt resistanceVSAvoiddesign flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The convex and concave portions are strategically distributed across the protective member surface, creating localized zones with different visual and tactile properties. This allows diverse design patterns to be achieved within the convexo-concave framework, maintaining design flexibility while preserving dirt resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The design flexibility is extended into the third dimension by varying the height and depth of convex and concave portions. This vertical dimension adds new design possibilities beyond traditional flat surfaces, allowing for three-dimensional patterns and textures that enhance both aesthetics and functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 convexo-concave protective member improves the durability and handling performance of the thermosensitive recording medium, making it more resistant to scratches, dirt, and physical damage, while allowing for flexible design and robustness.

Implementation Method 1

a photothermal conversion agent

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotothermal conversion: Photoacoustic Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11865853B2Thermosensitive recording medium and exterior member

Publication Date: 2024.01.09 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

A thermosensitive recording medium according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a recording layer that includes a coloring compound having electron-donating property, a developer having electron-accepting property, a photothermal conversion agent, and a polymer material; and a protective member that is stacked on the recording layer, and has a convexo-concave shape in a plane.