Emf Shielding Material For An Electronic Device

Patent No. US11412645 (titled "Emf Shielding Material For An Electronic Device") was filed by Swtich Project Llc on Sep 1, 2020.

What is this patent about?

’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.

How does this patent fit in bigger picture?

Technical landscape at the time

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.

Novelty and Inventive Step

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.

Claims

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.

Key Claim Terms New

Definitions of key terms used in the patent claims.

Term (Source)Support for SpecificationInterpretation
Adhesive backing material
(Claim 1, Claim 6, Claim 12)
“In some embodiments, the device body comprises an adhesive backing material for coupling with the object.”A material with an adhesive on one side used to attach the device body to an object.
Device body width
(Claim 1, Claim 6, Claim 12)
“No explicit definition found, but the claims specify that the device body width is less than the stem circumference.”The width of the device body.
Electromagnetic transparent material
(Claim 1)
“In some embodiments, the second side comprises a transparent material which allows the electromagnetic radiation to pass through the second material.”A material that allows electromagnetic radiation to pass through it.
Material configured to deflect electromagnetic radiation
(Claim 1, Claim 6, Claim 12)
“An electromagnetic magnetic shielding material is used deflect electronic and electromagnetic radiation away from an electronic device. In this manner, the electromagnetic shielding material deflects the electronic and electromagnetic radiation from a user of the device to protect the user from any electronic and electromagnetic radiation produced by the electronic device.”A material designed to redirect electromagnetic radiation away from a specific area.
Stem circumference
(Claim 1, Claim 6, Claim 12)
“No explicit definition found, but the claims specify that the device body width is less than the stem circumference.”The circumference of the stem of the wireless earbud.

Litigation Cases New

US Latest litigation cases involving this patent.

Case NumberFiling DateTitle
1:25-cv-03645Apr 4, 2025Switch Project, Llc V. Zhang
1:25-cv-02305Mar 5, 2025Switch Project, LLC v. Guangzhouyimojushangmaoyouxiangongsi et al
1:25-cv-01546Feb 13, 2025Switch Project, LLC v. Hunan Xin Xun Huan Electronic Tech Co. LTD.

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US11412645

SWTICH PROJECT LLC
Application Number
US17009570
Filing Date
Sep 1, 2020
Status
Granted
Expiry Date
Jan 13, 2040
External Links
Slate, USPTO, Google Patents