Apple's ceramic device housing could be used in low-cost iPhone
Apple is again expressing interest in ceramic device enclosures, this time looking at a unibody type design fabricated from layers of the substrate in a technique somewhat akin to those used in laying up fiberglass, a material which one analyst believes will be used in a rumored low-cost iPhone.
Source: USPTO
Apple's patent filing for a "Multi-layered ceramic enclosure" is similar to a property the company applied for in 2006 regarding radio-transparent zirconia CE casings, but differs in that the older invention uses ceramic extrusion techniques while Thursday's calls for layering.
Noted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported earlier this month that Apple would be releasing a low-cost iPhone with a shell made of fiberglass which, while a completely different material than ceramics, is fabricated using techniques outlined in the most recent patent application.
The new filing is straightforward, describing the materials and processes required to manufacture a strong, lightweight housing built from laminated ceramics. As mentioned in the filing's abstract, the fabrication technique can be used for a "handheld computing device," which also extends to cellular phones like the iPhone.
Basically, the invention calls for an enclosure consisting of multi-layered ceramic material, such as zirconia and alumina in any combination, with one or more "windows" that provide access to electrical components. More specifically, the windows allow for the deployment of user interface elements like touchscreens.
By sandwiching together layers of ceramic materials with varying properties, tensile stress and RF transparency being just two, a structurally rigid and useful housing can be fabricated.
From the filing's description:
Cross section of layered housing.
Going further, the housing can be formed to have a seamless appearance, much like the iPhone 5's unibody enclosure, a design expected to be used in the rumored low-cost iPhone. In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, the design also prevents moisture and debris from getting into the device.
Although just speculation, Apple could conceivably employ a ceramic housing in a cheaper handset, though the company would first need to develop a cost-effective manufacturing method, as current products using the material are relatively expensive.
Apple's latest ceramic housing patent was filed for in 2011 and credits Douglas J. Weber as its inventor.
Source: USPTO
Apple's patent filing for a "Multi-layered ceramic enclosure" is similar to a property the company applied for in 2006 regarding radio-transparent zirconia CE casings, but differs in that the older invention uses ceramic extrusion techniques while Thursday's calls for layering.
Noted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported earlier this month that Apple would be releasing a low-cost iPhone with a shell made of fiberglass which, while a completely different material than ceramics, is fabricated using techniques outlined in the most recent patent application.
The new filing is straightforward, describing the materials and processes required to manufacture a strong, lightweight housing built from laminated ceramics. As mentioned in the filing's abstract, the fabrication technique can be used for a "handheld computing device," which also extends to cellular phones like the iPhone.
Basically, the invention calls for an enclosure consisting of multi-layered ceramic material, such as zirconia and alumina in any combination, with one or more "windows" that provide access to electrical components. More specifically, the windows allow for the deployment of user interface elements like touchscreens.
By sandwiching together layers of ceramic materials with varying properties, tensile stress and RF transparency being just two, a structurally rigid and useful housing can be fabricated.
From the filing's description:
[?] the housing 52 can be formed of multi-layered (i.e., laminated) ceramic materials that are strong, stiff, and radio transparent and therefore a suitable material for an enclosure of an electronic device capable of wireless communications. The radio transparency is especially important for wireless hand held devices that include antennas internal to the enclosure.
Cross section of layered housing.
Going further, the housing can be formed to have a seamless appearance, much like the iPhone 5's unibody enclosure, a design expected to be used in the rumored low-cost iPhone. In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, the design also prevents moisture and debris from getting into the device.
Although just speculation, Apple could conceivably employ a ceramic housing in a cheaper handset, though the company would first need to develop a cost-effective manufacturing method, as current products using the material are relatively expensive.
Apple's latest ceramic housing patent was filed for in 2011 and credits Douglas J. Weber as its inventor.
Comments
For some reason I get the idea the material on this body concept is not recyclable.
Quote:
Originally Posted by tylerk36
For some reason I get the idea the material on this body concept is not recyclable.
Fiberglass is recyclable, so can ceramic material. I'm sure Apple has done that research, you know how much of a target they are.
I'm wondering whatever happened to the Liquid Metal license they have and if they have figured out if that could be used for case design. That looked promising. Either way, Apple has plenty of different materials and fab techniques they've been working on.
I'm wondering if they could 3D print the cases using polycarb or some other material that could be used for other than prototyping.
Did Apple have any ceramic made devices till now? I dont know.
They will release a ceramic Apple TV first. So they can test out the process on a lower volume "hobby" product.
What is the big deal with "we got it right first" junk if they "guessed" correctly... do they win a Bozo Button? Oh wait, those are collector items... do they get a balloon? a trip to Disney World? What is the prize for "guessing" correctly... cause I'll start rambling off things out of the blue left field if it is a good prize.
I think the "cheap iPhone" will be made from dead bunny bones... yea yea, that's the ticket.
I say, let's wait until Apple actually announces something...
Quote:
Originally Posted by HawkBlade
First plastic, now ceramic... next you will "guess" for with fiberglass, or paper... can people stop with all this "guessing" BS.
What is the big deal with "we got it right first" junk if they "guessed" correctly... do they win a Bozo Button? Oh wait, those are collector items... do they get a balloon? a trip to Disney World? What is the prize for "guessing" correctly... cause I'll start rambling off things out of the blue left field if it is a good prize.
I think the "cheap iPhone" will be made from dead bunny bones... yea yea, that's the ticket.
I say, let's wait until Apple actually announces something...
Curmudgeon much?
Just what I want. A terra-cotta iPhone.
Quote:
Originally Posted by AppleInsider
… this time looking at a unibody type design fabricated from layers of the substrate in a technique somewhat akin to those used in laying up fiberglass
"Unibody" design is incorrect word use here. "Unibody" in the sense that Apple has used it specifically refers to carving the unit out of a single block of material. If it's instead laid up in layers like fibreglass, then it's a constructed element, not an element carved out of a single block.
Originally Posted by drblank
Fiberglass is recyclable, so can ceramic material. I'm sure Apple has done that research, you know how much of a target they are.
Agree. If "fiberglass" or zirconium dioxide is recyclable, then Apple will use it or them.
I think recyclability is one reason why we haven't seen any carbon fiber enclosures or structural components in Apple products yet. I don't think it's recyclable, unless you spend an enormous amount of energy to re-form the fibers, or something. (???)
Originally Posted by bdkennedy1
Just what I want. A terra-cotta iPhone.
Sold exclusively in China.
Quote:
Originally Posted by WelshDog
Curmudgeon much?
How do you figure? I am asking a serious question... what in the world do you get for "guessing" this silly stuff? I do not see people "guessing" what Google is going to do, or MS, or any of the other major company's dealing out tech as much and as fast as they are with Apple.
I don't see people doing this with the PS4 (before it was officially announced), or even the new xbox. Yes, article here or there, but not multiple per week for months on a non-existant product? SO, please tell me, what do you get for "guessing" correctly on Apple products?
You don't want to make me curmudgeon, you would not like me when I am curmudgeon. I go all caps, bold, with a 72PT font and green lettering.
Quote:
Originally Posted by HawkBlade
You don't want to make me curmudgeon, you would not like me when I am curmudgeon. I go all caps, bold, with a 72PT font and green lettering.
OOOO, I think I found my new signature block... LOL
Yeah but then it defaults to "Ariel" and all the impact get's defused......
If you can get enough eol cases, then yes, probably recyclable as a business case. Recycled ceramic material is used in pumped concrete, in sheet materials, paint and additives and I guess many other areas...it depends on the purity of the recycled material and how much you can get. I can't imagine ceramic brakes are much in demand even though thousands of tonnes could be sourced however.
As Phil said, Apple doesn't do cheap
To speculate about "low-cost" aspect at this point is pre-mature. Rather try to look at this as the next decade of "aluminum". A scratch resistant and waterproof enclosure that is nearly unbreakable.
Expect to see this in all apple products in the next few years, including bracelet & TV.
Cheers!