Breathable channel waterproof and dustproof structure
Patent Information
- Application Number
- TW114109675
- Authority / Receiving Office
- TW · TW
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-03-14
- Publication Date
- 2026-09-16
- Estimated Expiration
- 2045-03-13
AI Technical Summary
Existing pressure detectors face issues with oxidation due to direct air contact, lack of waterproof and dustproof protection, and vulnerability of transmission lines to damage from bending.
A breathable channel structure comprising an outer layer unit, middle layer unit with insulating and barrier structures, and a space unit with a breathable channel, which includes a circuit module protected by thin film layers and insulating middle layers, and a groove structure to disperse bending stress on transmission lines.
The structure provides protection against oxidation and moisture/dust ingress, maintains detection accuracy, and prevents transmission line damage, ensuring long-term functionality and reliable pressure sensing.
Smart Images

Figure TWG2TA001076005_001 
Figure TWG2TA001076005_002 
Figure TWG2TA001076005_003
Abstract
Description
Breathable channel waterproof and dustproof structure This invention relates to a multilayer film, and more particularly to a waterproof and dustproof structure with a breathable channel disposed in the multilayer film. Pressure detectors generally require support to detect pressure, so most pressure detectors have a rigid structure to detect pressure under various applied forces. However, rigid pressure detectors are difficult to change shape to adapt to curved surfaces. Please refer to Figure 1, TW I860927, which illustrates a monitoring system 11 for a mattress with temperature and pressure sensing capabilities. The system includes a bed base 111, a mattress 112, a sensing module 113, a temperature sensor 114, a pressure sensor 115, and a signal conversion module 116. The temperature sensor 114 can sense the temperature of the human body, and the pressure sensor 115 can sense the pressure of the human body for analyzing the posture of the human body. The signal conversion module 116 transmits the detection data from the temperature sensor 114 and the pressure sensor 115 to the outside world. Although prior art has revealed a technique for detecting human posture by sensing pressure, it still has the following drawbacks in practical use: 1. Inability to protect against oxidation: The conventionally disclosed sensing module 113 is directly mounted on the mattress 112. The sensing module 113 is in direct contact with the air. Moisture in the air will cause the sensing module 113 to oxidize. Therefore, the conventional technology cannot protect the sensing module 113. 2. Inability to be waterproof and dustproof: As mentioned above, even if the conventional sensing module 113 is covered by a thin film, the space containing the sensing module 113 still needs to be breathable to avoid the high pressure generated by the compression of the enclosed space affecting the detection results of the sensing module 113. However, the structure of the general ventilation channel is simple and it is difficult to prevent external moisture and dust from entering. Therefore, the existing ventilation channel has the problem of being unable to be waterproof and dustproof. 3. Transmission lines are easily damaged: Transmission line groups are set between the multiple sensing modules 113 to transmit the detection signals of the multiple sensing modules 113 to the outside. In order to avoid short circuits, an insulating layer is set between the printed circuits in the circuit structure. However, when the edge of the insulating layer is bent, it will generate a force that damages the printed circuit. Long-term use can easily cause the printed circuit of the transmission line group to break. Therefore, designing a pressure detection technology with a flexible structure that can not only be installed in a mattress for pressure detection, but also protect the sensing module, and has the effects of breathability, waterproofing and dustproofing, as well as technology to prevent the breakage of printed circuits, is a goal that relevant technical personnel urgently need to strive for. In view of this, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a waterproof and dustproof structure for a breathable channel, which includes an outer layer unit, a middle layer unit, and a space unit. The outer layer unit includes two thin film outer layers spaced apart. The middle layer unit is disposed between the two outer thin films and includes at least one insulating middle layer connected to the two outer thin films and at least one barrier structure connected to the two outer thin films and the insulating middle layer. The space unit includes an accommodating space disposed between the two outer thin film layers, and at least one breathable channel connected to the accommodating space. The accommodating space is isolated from the outside world, and the breathable channel connects the outside world with the accommodating space. The blocking structure protrudes from the side of the insulating middle layer and enters the breathable channel. In one embodiment, the width of the ventilation channel is defined as a first length, and the length of the barrier structure protruding from the insulating middle layer is defined as a second length, the second length being greater than or equal to 1 / 2 of the first length. In one embodiment, the barrier structure has a first sidewall connected to the insulating middle layer, the first sidewall facing outward and defining a first angle with the side boundary of the insulating middle layer, the first angle being less than or equal to 90 degrees. In one embodiment, the barrier structure has a second sidewall connected to the insulating middle layer, the second sidewall facing the accommodating space and defining a second angle with the side boundary of the insulating middle layer, the second angle being greater than or equal to 90 degrees. In one embodiment, the number of the blocking structures is multiple, and the multiple blocking structures are alternately arranged on both sides of the air-permeable channel. In one embodiment, the number of the blocking structures is at least two, one of which is disposed on one side of the air vent, and the other is disposed on the other side of the air vent, and the plurality of blocking structures are alternately disposed on both sides of the air vent. In one embodiment, the waterproof and dustproof structure of the breathable channel further includes a circuit unit, which includes a circuit module disposed in the accommodating space and a power transmission line assembly connected to the insulating middle layer, wherein the circuit module and the power transmission line assembly are electrically connected. In one embodiment, the middle layer unit further includes at least one groove structure disposed in the insulating middle layer, the groove structure being connected to the venting channel. In one embodiment, the power transmission line assembly is connected to the insulating middle layer, the groove structure, and the ventilation channel. In one embodiment, the groove width of one groove structure is greater than the wire diameter of the power transmission line assembly, and the groove shape of the groove structure is curved. The beneficial effects of this invention are that the accommodating space accommodates the circuit module, the circuit module is protected by the two thin film outer layers, the venting channel connects the outside to the accommodating space, allowing the air in the accommodating space to be released and replenished, the blocking structure can block moisture and dust in the outside air to prevent moisture and dust from entering the accommodating space, and can prevent the circuit module in the accommodating space from oxidizing. The power transmission line is a line printed on the two thin film outer layers, and the groove structure set in the insulating middle layer can release and disperse the stress when the thin film outer layer is bent, which can protect the power transmission line from breakage. The features and technical content of the related patent applications of this invention will be clearly presented in the following detailed description of two embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted before the detailed description that similar elements are represented by the same reference numerals. Please refer to Figure 2, which shows a first embodiment of a breathable channel waterproof and dustproof structure 12 of the present invention. This breathable channel waterproof and dustproof structure 12 is applied to a thin film structure 13. The thin film structure 13 has at least one sensing structure 131 and at least one elastic structure 132 connected to the sensing structure 131. The breathable channel waterproof and dustproof structure 12 is disposed in each sensing structure 131. The sensing structure 131 and the elastic structure 132 are soft thin film structures 13, which can be bent by external force. The elastic structure 132 can buffer the pulling force. The thin film structure 13 is laid in a mattress to cushion the force of a person lying down and sense the downward pressure when a person lies on the bed. It can further analyze the position and posture of the person lying down and provide a breathable effect. In practical implementation, this breathable channel waterproof and dustproof structure 12 can also be applied to cushions, backrests, table mats, shoe insoles, clothing, and other structures in areas such as cars, living rooms, and offices to detect information such as the user's posture and weight, and can also provide good breathability. It should not be limited to these applications. Please refer to Figures 3, 4, and 5. The waterproof and dustproof structure 12 of the breathable channel includes an outer layer unit 3, a middle layer unit 4, a space unit 5, and a circuit unit 6. Referring to Figure 5, the outer unit 3 includes two spaced thin film outer layers 31. The two thin film outer layers 31 are soft plastic sheets and are cut into the shape of the sensing structure 131 and the elastic structure 132 of the thin film structure 13. In actual implementation, the two thin film outer layers 31 can also be cut into other shapes, and should not be limited thereto. The middle layer unit 4 is disposed between the two outer film layers 31 and includes at least one insulating middle layer 41 connected to the two outer film layers 31, and at least one barrier structure 42 connected to the two outer film layers 31 and the insulating middle layer 41. The insulating middle layer 41 is made of soft material, such as plastic, non-woven fabric, cotton cloth and other soft substances, but is not limited thereto. The insulating middle layer 41 is adhered to the two outer film layers 31. The barrier structure 42 is a structure that protrudes from the side of the insulating middle layer 41. Referring to Figure 6, the spatial unit 5 includes an accommodating space 51 disposed between the insulating middle layer 41 and the two thin film outer layers 31, and at least one breathable channel 52 connected to the accommodating space 51, wherein the accommodating space 51 and the breathable channel 52 are spaces defined by the two thin film outer layers 31 and the insulating middle layer 41. In this first embodiment, the number of insulating middle layers 41 is multiple and spaced apart from each other, and they cooperate to define one accommodating space 51 and multiple breathable channels 52. In some embodiments, the number of insulating middle layers 41 is one, which encircles the accommodating space 51 in a ring shape and defines one breathable channel 52. The circuit unit 6 includes a circuit module 61 disposed in the accommodating space 51 and a power line assembly 62 connected to the isolation middle layer 41. The circuit module 61 and the power line assembly 62 are electrically connected. In this first embodiment, the circuit module 61 is a pressure sensing circuit used to detect externally applied pressure and generate a corresponding resistance value. The power line assembly 62 outputs the resistance value of the circuit module 61. In actual implementation, the circuit module 61 can also use other circuit structures, and should not be limited thereto. The two thin film outer layers 31 are disposed on the upper and lower sides of the accommodating space 51, and the insulating middle layer 41 is disposed around the accommodating space 51. The two thin film outer layers 31 and the insulating middle layer 41 isolate the accommodating space 51 from the outside world 23. The two thin film outer layers 31 can be squeezed by external force to make the circuit module 61 pressure-sensitive. The circuit module 61 is disposed in the accommodating space 51 and protected by the two thin film outer layers 31 and the insulating middle layer 41, which prevents the circuit module 61 from contacting the outside world, reduces the oxidation of the circuit module 61, and makes the circuit module 61 difficult to be damaged by external force, effectively extending its service life. The power transmission line assembly 62 has a first line 621 and a second line 622. The first line 621 is disposed on one of the thin film outer layers 31, and the second line 622 is disposed on the other thin film outer layer 31. The first line 621 and the second line 622 are electrically connected to the circuit module 61 to transmit the electrical signals of the circuit module 61 to the outside. The insulating middle layer 41 is an insulating layer and is disposed between the first line 621 and the second line 622 to prevent short circuits between the first line 621 and the second line 622. The ventilation channel 52 connects the outside 23 to the accommodating space 51, so that the accommodating space 51 is connected to the outside 23. When the two outer membrane layers 31 are squeezed, the air in the accommodating space 51 can be discharged to the outside through the ventilation channel 52. When the pressure squeezing the two outer membrane layers 31 is released, the air in the accommodating space 51 can be replenished by the outside 23. Referring back to Figures 2, 3, and 4, in the membrane structure 13, the breathable channel waterproof and dustproof structure 12 is a membrane composed of a three-dimensional structure formed by the outer layer 31 of the two membranes and the middle insulating layer 41. Its structure can be circular, rectangular, or any irregular shape. The accommodating space 51 is a cavity formed by the three-layer three-dimensional structure of the ventilating channel waterproof and dustproof structure 12. When the three-layer three-dimensional structure of the ventilating channel waterproof and dustproof structure 12 is under pressure, the air in the accommodating space 51 of the cavity must be discharged so that the pressure-sensing circuit module 61 can form a circuit and generate impedance. When the pressure on the three-layer three-dimensional structure of the ventilating channel waterproof and dustproof structure 12 is released, the accommodating space 51 draws in outside air and expands the cavity so that the circuit module 61 returns to the open circuit state. During compression or release, the cavity 51 will draw in or expel air. External moisture can easily enter the cavity 51 through the venting channel 52, causing a difference in the resistance generated when the circuit module 61 is squeezed. This results in a slope-intercept offset in the judgment formula (e.g., y=ax+b) and affects the accuracy of the detection during use. In addition, if moisture enters the cavity of the ventilation channel 52, it will also cause oxidation, expansion, and detachment of the power transmission line assembly 62. Please refer to Figures 5 and 6. The barrier structure 42 protrudes from the side of the insulating middle layer 41 and enters the air vent 52, similar to the protruding barrier in the air vent 52, and is used to prevent external moisture and dust from entering the accommodating space 51. The barrier structure 42 is connected to the two outer thin film layers 31 respectively. The width of the ventilation channel 52 is defined as a first length 211, and the length of the blocking structure 42 protruding from the insulating middle layer 41 is defined as a second length 212. The second length 212 is greater than or equal to half of the first length 211. If the length of the blocking structure 42 protruding from the insulating middle layer 41 is too short, it is difficult to block moisture and dust in the outside air 23. Therefore, the present invention limits the second length 212 to be greater than or equal to half of the first length 211. In other words, the width of the blocking structure 42 is greater than or equal to half the width of the ventilation channel 52, which can prevent moisture and dust in the outside air 23 from entering the accommodating space 51. Additionally, the barrier structure 42 has a first sidewall 421 connected to the insulating middle layer 41. The first sidewall 421 faces the outside 23 and defines a first angle 221 with the side boundary of the insulating middle layer 41. The first angle 221 is less than or equal to 90 degrees. When the pressure applied to the outer layer 31 of the two films is released, the volume of the accommodating space 51 expands, and outside air 23 enters the accommodating space 51 through the venting channel 52. When the outside air 23 enters the venting channel 52, it generates an inflation airflow. The inflation airflow contacts the first sidewall 421 of the barrier structure 42. Since the first angle 221 is less than or equal to 90 degrees, the first sidewall 421 forms an acute angle with the side of the insulating middle layer 41. The first sidewall 421 located at the acute angle blocks moisture or dust in the inflation airflow to achieve a waterproof and dustproof effect. Furthermore, the barrier structure 42 has a second sidewall 422 connected to the insulating middle layer 41. The second sidewall 422 faces the accommodating space 51 and defines a second angle 222 with the side boundary of the insulating middle layer 41. The second angle 222 is greater than or equal to 90 degrees. Since the second angle 222 is greater than or equal to 90 degrees, the second sidewall 422 forms an obtuse angle with the side of the insulating middle layer 41. When an external force is applied to the outer layer 31 of the two films, the accommodating space 51 will be compressed, and the air in the accommodating space 51 will be discharged to the outside 23 through the venting channel 52. When the air in the accommodating space 51 enters the venting channel 52, an exhaust airflow will be generated. The exhaust airflow will contact the second sidewall 422 of the barrier structure 42. The second sidewall 422, located at the obtuse angle, will not block the exhaust airflow, and the air in the accommodating space 51 can be discharged smoothly. In this first embodiment, the number of blocking structures 42 is at least three, one of which is disposed on one side of the air vent 52, and another blocking structure 42 is disposed on the other side of the air vent 52. The plurality of blocking structures 42 are alternately disposed on both sides of the air vent 52. In this first embodiment, one blocking structure 42 is disposed on the side of the left insulating middle layer 41, and two blocking structures 42 are disposed on the side of the right insulating middle layer 41. The left blocking structure 42 is located between the two right blocking structures 42. According to the inventor's tests, two or more blocking structures 42 have sufficient waterproof and dustproof effects and will not cause blockage of the ventilation channel 52. In actual implementation, other numbers of blocking structures 42 can also be set in the ventilation channel 52, and this should not be a limitation. In some embodiments, the number of blocking structures 42 is multiple, and the multiple blocking structures 42 are alternately arranged on both sides of the ventilation channel 52. Please refer to Figures 7 and 8, which illustrate a second embodiment of the breathable channel waterproof and dustproof structure 12 of the present invention. This second embodiment is largely the same as the first embodiment, and the similarities will not be described in detail here. The difference is that the middle layer unit 4 further includes at least one groove structure 43 disposed in the insulating middle layer 41, and the groove structure 43 is connected to the breathable channel 52. In some embodiments, the breathable channel 52 and the groove structure 43 are separately disposed in the elastic structure 132. The power transmission line assembly 62 is connected to the insulating middle layer 41, the groove structure 43, and the venting channel 52. Since the main purpose of the power transmission line assembly 62 is to transmit the electrical properties of the circuit module 61 to the outside, the power transmission line assembly 62 is not only distributed in the inductive structure 131 and the elastic structure 132 of the thin film structure 13, but also extends from the insulating middle layer 41 and passes through the venting channel 52. The groove structure 43 is located at the position where the power transmission line assembly 62 passes through the venting channel 52 from the insulating middle layer 41. The groove structure 43 has a groove width 232 that is greater than the wire diameter width 231 of the power transmission line assembly 62, so that the groove structure 43 can accommodate the power transmission line assembly 62. The groove shape of the groove structure 43 is curved, so that the curvature of the waterproof and dustproof structure 12 of the ventilation channel is dispersed when it is bent by external force. Moreover, most of the stress when the membrane structure 13 is bent will be borne by the middle layer sidewall 411 of the insulating middle layer 41. The groove structure 43 is already curved and will not exert shear force on the power transmission line assembly 62, so the power transmission line assembly 62 is not easily damaged. If the insulating middle layer 41 is located at the protrusion of the power transmission line assembly 62 and the groove structure 43 is not provided, when the outer layer 31 of the two films bends, the ventilation channel 52 will bend significantly due to the lack of support from the insulating middle layer 41, and the bending stress will be concentrated on the middle layer sidewall 411 of the insulating middle layer 41. If the power transmission line assembly 62 extends directly from the middle layer sidewall 411, it will be affected by the pressure force, and after a long period of bending, it will break and be damaged. The groove structure 43 ensures that the extension point of the power transmission line assembly 62 is no longer located on the middle layer sidewall 411. When the film structure 13 is bent, the middle layer sidewall 411 will not exert pressure on the power transmission line assembly 62. The curved groove structure 43 will also disperse the bending force, which can reduce the pressure on the power transmission line assembly 62 and prevent damage to the power transmission line assembly 62. As can be seen from the above description, the breathable, waterproof, and dustproof structure 12 of the present invention does indeed have the following effects: 1. Protection of the circuit: The accommodating space 51 is disposed between the two outer thin film layers 31. The two outer thin film layers 31 and the insulating middle layer 41 cover the accommodating space 51 and isolate it from the outside world 23. The circuit module 61 is disposed in the accommodating space 51 and is covered by the two outer thin film layers 31 and the insulating middle layer 41. Therefore, the circuit module 61 is protected from direct contact with the outside world 23, which can reduce the oxidation of the circuit module 61. II. Breathable and waterproof / dustproof effect: The first angle 221 is less than or equal to 90 degrees, so that the first sidewall 421 and the insulating middle layer 41 form an acute angle. When the outside air 23 enters the accommodating space 51 through the breathable channel 52, the airflow will come into contact with the blocking structure 42. The first sidewall 421 forming the acute angle will block the moisture or dust in the airflow, so as to achieve the effect of waterproof and dustproof in the breathable channel 52. 3. Avoid damage to transmission lines: When the thin film structure 13 is bent, the middle layer sidewall 411 bears most of the bending force, while the transmission line assembly 62 extends from the insulating middle layer 41 through the groove structure 43. Therefore, the transmission line assembly 62 is not affected by the bending of the middle layer sidewall 411. In addition, the curved groove structure 43 will further disperse the bending force of the thin film structure 13, thereby further reducing the possibility of breakage or damage to the transmission line assembly 62. In summary, the circuit module 61 disposed in the accommodating space 51 can detect pressure; the two thin film outer layers 31 can be flexibly bent to withstand a person lying down and detect the person's position; the two thin film outer layers 31 and the insulating middle layer 41 can protect the circuit module 61; the ventilation channel 52 can connect the accommodating space 51 with the outside world 23 so that the accommodating space 51 can be replenished with air or de-aired; the blocking structure 42 disposed in the ventilation channel 52 can block moisture and dust from the outside world 23; and the groove structure 43 can prevent the power transmission line assembly 62 from breaking. Therefore, the purpose of this invention can indeed be achieved. However, the above description is merely two embodiments of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. Any simple equivalent changes and modifications made in accordance with the scope of the patent application and the description of the invention shall still fall within the scope of the patent of the present invention. 11: Monitoring System 111: Bed Base 112: Mattress 113: Sensing Module 114: Temperature Sensor 115: Pressure Sensor 116: Signal Conversion Module 12: Breathable Channel, Waterproof and Dustproof Structure 13: Membrane Structure 131: Sensing Structure 132: Elastic Structure 211: First Length 212: Second Length 221: First Angle 222: Second Angle 23: External Environment 231: Wire Diameter Width 232: Slot Width 3: Outer Layer Unit 31: Membrane Outer Layer 4: Middle Layer Unit 41: Isolation Middle Layer 411: Middle Layer Sidewall 42: Barrier Structure 421: First Sidewall 422: Second Sidewall 43: Groove Structure 5: Space Unit 51: Accommodation Space 52: Breathable Channel 6: Circuit Unit 61: Circuit Module 62: Power Transmission Line 621: First Line 622: Second Line Figure 1 is a perspective view of TW I860927; Figure 2 is a front view of a first embodiment of the waterproof and dustproof ventilation channel structure of the present invention; Figure 3 is a partial front view of the first embodiment; Figure 4 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the first embodiment; Figure 5 is an exploded structural view of the first embodiment; Figure 6 is a partially enlarged view of the ventilation channel in the first embodiment; Figure 7 is a partially enlarged view of a second embodiment of the waterproof and dustproof ventilation channel structure of the present invention; and Figure 8 is a partially enlarged view of the ventilation channel in the second embodiment. 211: First Length 212: Second Length 221: First Angle 222: Second Angle 23: Outside world 41: Isolation Middle Layer 42: Barrier Structure 421: First sidewall 422: Second sidewall 51: Storage space 52: Ventilation Channel
Claims
1. A breathable, waterproof, and dustproof structure includes: an outer layer unit comprising two spaced-apart thin film outer layers; a middle layer unit disposed between the two thin film outer layers and including at least one insulating middle layer connected to the two thin film outer layers, and a plurality of blocking structures connected to the two thin film outer layers and the insulating middle layer; and a space unit comprising an accommodating space disposed between the two thin film outer layers, and at least one breathable channel connected to the accommodating space, the accommodating space being isolated from the outside, the breathable channel connecting the outside to the accommodating space, and the plurality of blocking structures protruding from the side of the insulating middle layer and alternately disposed on both sides of the breathable channel. As described in claim 1, the breathable channel is waterproof and dustproof, wherein... The width of the ventilation channel is defined as a first length, and the length of the multiple barrier structure protruding from the insulating middle layer is defined as a second length, which is greater than or equal to 1 / 2 of the first length. As described in claim 1, the breathable channel is waterproof and dustproof, wherein... The multiple barrier structure has a first sidewall connected to the insulating middle layer. The first sidewall faces outward and defines a first angle with the side boundary of the insulating middle layer. The first angle is less than or equal to 90 degrees. As described in claim 1, the breathable channel is waterproof and dustproof, wherein... The multiple barrier structure has a second sidewall connected to the insulating middle layer. The second sidewall faces the accommodating space and defines a second angle with the side boundary of the insulating middle layer. The second angle is greater than or equal to 90 degrees. The waterproof and dustproof structure of the breathable channel as described in claim 1 further includes a circuit unit, which includes a circuit module disposed in the accommodating space and a power transmission line assembly connected to the insulating middle layer, wherein the circuit module and the power transmission line assembly are electrically connected. As described in claim 5, the breathable channel is waterproof and dustproof, wherein... The middle layer unit further includes at least one groove structure disposed in the insulating middle layer, the groove structure being connected to the air vent. As described in claim 6, the breathable channel is waterproof and dustproof, wherein... The power transmission line assembly is connected to the insulating middle layer, the groove structure, and the ventilation channel. As described in claim 6, the breathable channel is waterproof and dustproof, wherein... The groove structure has a groove width that is greater than the wire diameter of the power transmission line assembly, and the groove shape of the groove structure is curved.
