Patent No. US11412645 (titled "Emf Shielding Material For An Electronic Device") was filed by Swtich Project Llc on Sep 1, 2020.
’645 is related to the field of electronic devices, specifically addressing the problem of electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation emitted by these devices. Consumer electronics like cell phones, computers, and earbuds generate EMF radiation, and prolonged exposure is suspected to cause health problems. The patent seeks to mitigate this risk by deflecting radiation away from the user.
The underlying idea behind ’645 is to use a shielding material that redirects EMF radiation, rather than absorbing it. This is achieved by strategically placing the shielding material on the device, particularly near radiation sources like antennas. The key insight is that deflecting the radiation away from the user minimizes their exposure without significantly altering the device's functionality.
The claims of ’645 focus on an electromagnetic shielding device coupled to a wireless earbud. The earbud has a stem with an inner portion for receiving wireless signals and an outer portion forming a circumference. The shielding device, comprising a material that deflects electromagnetic radiation, is coupled to the inner portion of the stem. Crucially, the device body width is less than the stem circumference, and the device includes an adhesive backing .
In practice, the invention involves applying a thin layer of EMF shielding material, such as a metal laminate or metal-particle-embedded material , to the stem of a wireless earbud. The adhesive backing allows for easy attachment. The shielding material is positioned to deflect radiation emitted by the earbud's internal components away from the user's head. The device body width being less than the stem circumference ensures that the shielding device does not interfere with the earbud's wireless signal reception.
This approach differs from prior art solutions that might focus on absorbing EMF radiation, which can lead to heat buildup and reduced device performance. By deflecting the radiation, ’645 aims to provide a safer user experience without compromising the functionality or longevity of the electronic device. The use of a thin, easily applied shield also allows for retrofitting existing devices, offering a practical solution for consumers concerned about EMF exposure.
In the late 2010s when ’645 was filed, electronic devices were at a time when electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding was typically implemented using metal enclosures or conductive coatings. At this time, systems commonly relied on absorbing EMI rather than deflecting it. Hardware or software constraints made effective and unobtrusive EMI shielding a non-trivial engineering challenge.
Claims 1, 2, 4, 13, 15-26 were amended, and claims 26 and 27 were newly added. Claims 1-27 were rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103. The applicant's arguments were considered but not persuasive. The Office action was made final.
There are 17 claims in total. Claims 1, 6, and 12 are independent. The independent claims are directed to electromagnetic shielding devices and systems for reducing electromagnetic radiation associated with wireless earbuds. The dependent claims generally specify further details, features, or configurations of the shielding devices and systems described in the independent claims.
Definitions of key terms used in the patent claims.
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