Apple Details Process for Applying Coating to Protect iPhone From Fingerprints

A newly discovered Apple patent filing details a process for applying an oleophobic coating to the iPhone to protect from grease and fingerprints, reports Patently Apple.
The process involves the direct application of a liquid in a Physical Vapor Deposition ("PVD") chamber.

Apple states that to prevent the deposition of oils on an electronic device surface, an oleophobic ingredient could be bonded to the electronic device surface. The oleophobic ingredient could be provided as part of a raw liquid material in one or more concentrations. To avoid adverse reactions due to exposure to air, heat, or humidity, the raw liquid material can be placed in a bottle purged with an inert gas during the manufacturing process.

The bottle could be placed in a liquid supply system having a mechanism for controlling the amount of raw liquid material that passes through the liquid supply system. Upon reaching the vaporizing unit, the liquid could be vaporized and the oleophobic ingredient within the liquid can then be deposited on the electronic device component surface. As the liquid supply is drained from the bottle, additional inert gas is supplied in its place to further prevent contamination.


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