Protective and functional layers for display screens

Abstract

A set of protective layers configured to protect and enhance a display or interface of a device is provided. The layers may include layers of material to strengthen the respective device components to increase durability and reduce damage from impacts. When the layers are impacted by a foreign object, the force may be absorbed by the strengthened component or transferred to other areas of the device, rather than catastrophically damaging the display, encasement or interface of the device. Additionally, the use of functional layers is provided to enhance device performance and user experience. Related assemblies and methods are also provided.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A protective layer assembly for a device comprising:
 an outer layer or display cover that includes glass or sapphire and has a shape conforming to that of the device; and   a surface strengthening layer that is at least partially transparent that is permanently attached to the surface or surfaces of the outer later or display cover as a result of being applied in liquid, paste or spray form directly to the surface or surfaces of the outer layer or the display cover, wherein the surface strengthening layer is configured to strengthen the surface or surfaces by sealing chips, cracks, and other defects located in or on the surfaces.   
     
     
         2 . The protective layer assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the device is a mobile phone or a smart watch. 
     
     
         3 . The protective layer assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the device is a portable computing device having a touch-sensitive display screen. 
     
     
         4 . The protective assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the device is a camera. 
     
     
         5 . The protective assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the device is a laser or radar device. 
     
     
         6 . The protective assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the device is an energy storage system or an energy transmission system. 
     
     
         7 . The protective assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the device is a sensor. 
     
     
         8 . The protective assembly of  claim 3 , wherein the sensor comprises any one of the following biometric sensor, motion-detector sensor, and imaging sensor. 
     
     
         9 . The protective layer assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a luminescent marking made with luminescent ink or luminescent paint disposed on the outer layer such that the luminescent marking is not electrically connected to the device.   
     
     
         10 . The protective layer assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a strengthening layer applied to the surface or surfaces of the outer later or display cover, the strengthening layer comprising at least one of resin, epoxy, or sealing material.   
     
     
         11 . The protective layer assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 an infrared marking made with infrared ink or infrared paint disposed on the outer layer, such that the infrared marking is not electrically connected to the device.   
     
     
         12 . The protective layer assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the surface strengthening layer is exposed while the protective layer assembly is coupled to the display surface of the device, to the display cover of the device or to the device.