2023-06-16 18:00:15
As iPhone 12a Apple introduced the Ceramic Shield, a technology that made the device’s screen glass more resistant to drops/shatters. Although this feature of newer models is something very positive, the rear glass of smartphones has not yet gained similar technology to this day.
A new patent registered by Apple, however, might change that if it is incorporated. According to detailed by AppleInsider, what the company called “Space Compounds” were patented. Basically, engineering consists of incorporating other materials — such as metal e pottery — to the iPhone case glass, making it more resistant to scratches and shatters.
It is explained in the patent — registered with the US Patent and Trademark Office under number 11,678,445 B2 — that, in everyday life, cell phones come into contact with various surfaces, which can contribute to abrasion and wear. Thus, it is important to assess the strengths and weaknesses of different combinations of materials used in the structure of appliances in terms of strength, appearance, resistance and the like.
In the case of metal cases — used in iPhone models such as the 5, 6 [Plus] and the 7 [Plus] —, says the patent, there is greater resistance to scratches and breakage, although there is interference with radio/telephone signals. On the other hand, when using ceramic, there is a greater exposure to shattering when the device is dropped, while plastic exposes the device to scratches.
Thus, the central idea of the invention is to merge different materials, in order to maximize the advantages of each one and avoid their respective problems. The patent, therefore, is dedicated to giving some definition to this idea, as regards the proportion of materials to be used, as well as the engineering procedure to be followed.
Although there are no extremely precise definitions, some clues can be read. The patent, for example, mentioned that the materials must be incorporated both in the substrate and in the most external part of the carcass, which is composed of a moldable matrix, whose abrasion-resistant materials are harder than it.
Despite the focus on metal and ceramics, others are also shown that might be used in different formats on the back of the iPhone. The space between each unit of material must be between 10 and 100 micrometers, although this is not made explicit in the intellectual property registration.
One of the persons to whom the patent is credited is Christopher D. Preset, who already have some experience with the use of ceramics for other applications. A patent is also attributed to him, which provides for the use of this material in MagSafe technology, which would also support data transfer.
It is always important to emphasize that this is a mere record of a creation “in the abstract”. That is, there would still be a lot to be developed until the technology was actually incorporated into an iPhone, if that ever happens. Anyway, it is interesting to know that at least the concern exists within the company.
Will we one day use the device without a case (and without any worries)? ????
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