Explosion proof case for a mobile phone comprising a flame path to prevent external explosions

Abstract

Disclosed is an explosion proof assembly (100) for isolating a mobile device (800) from an explosive atmosphere, the assembly (100) including a first part (110) and a second part (120). The first part (110) includes: an interior (111) for housing the mobile device (800); a first opening (112); and at least one transparent portion (113). The second part (120) is configured to close the first opening (112) such that the mobile device (800) may be entirely contained by the first and second parts (1110, 20). The interior (111) and the first opening (112) are configured to allow sliding the mobile device (800) from the exterior, through the first opening (112), and further into the interior (111) until the mobile device (800) reaches a first position. The at least one transparent portion (113) is arranged on the first part (110) such that, when the mobile device (800) reaches the first position, each of the at least one transparent portion (113) and the mobile device (800) are fixedly positioned relative to each other.

Description

[0001] EXPLOSION PROOF ASSEMBLY, MOBILE DEVICE ASSEMBLY, METHODS OF CREATING A

[0002] MOBILE DEVICE ASSEMBLY, AND METHOD OF REMOVING A MOBILE DEVICE FROM A

[0003] MOBILE DEVICE ASSEMBLY

[0004] The present disclosure relates to an explosion proof assembly for isolating a mobile device from an explosive atmosphere. The present disclosure also relates to a mobile device assembly. Also, the present disclosure relates to methods of creating a mobile device assembly. Moreover, the present disclosure relates a method of removing a mobile device from a mobile device assembly.

[0005] Background

[0006] An explosive atmosphere can be created when combustible or flammable sources such as gases, vapors and / or ignitable dusts or fibers are present in a body of air. Explosive atmospheres can be found in many industries, such as oil & gas, chemical and pharmaceutical industries, and electrical equipment used in such explosive atmospheres can provide an ignition source due to phenomena such as electrical arcing or high temperatures. In particular, a mobile device such as a smartphone, a tablet, a handheld electrical device, a battery-powered electrical device, or other mobile electrical devices can turn into an ignition source when used in an explosive atmosphere.

[0007] To ensure the safety of people and assets, all electrical equipment used in an explosive atmosphere is typically required to follow relevant regulations and standards, such as the ATEX directives issued in the European Union, standards issued by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the National Electrical Code (NEC) in the United States, among others. Typically, the regulations and standards allow for various types of protection where the aim is to eliminate at least one of the three basic conditions required to cause a fire or explosion: fuel; oxygen; and an ignition source, which could be a hot surface, a spark or a flame. For example, a known type of protection requires any gaps or clearances formed between parts of a flameproof enclosure to be designed in such a manner that any internal explosion does not propagate outside the flameproof enclosure and ignite an external explosive atmosphere. This can be achieved by designing the formed gaps or clearances to allow an internal explosion to cool sufficiently as the explosion gases pass through the gap or clearance, thereby preventing the ignition of an external explosive atmosphere. Such a designed gap or clearance is known as a "flame path", and it can be a critical safety feature that controls the exposure of the explosive gas mixture to a source of ignition within the flameproof enclosure.

[0008] It can be challenging to isolate a mobile device from an explosive atmosphere such that the explosive atmosphere will not be ignited by an electrical phenomenon, like a spark or high temperature, caused by the mobile device.

[0009] A known approach for isolating a mobile device from an explosive atmosphere includes an approach colloquially referred to as the "sandwich approach". Typically, an implementation of the sandwich approach includes providing an explosion proof assembly having two parts, each part being substantially flat, and the two parts being configured to be joined such that the mobile device is encapsulated (or, colloquially, "sandwiched") between the two parts. Although it allows isolating a mobile device from an explosive atmosphere, the sandwich approach can have several practical drawbacks. Firstly, an isolated mobile device encapsulated between two parts in accordance with the sandwich approach often has a substantial added weight and size compared to the mobile device's weight and size without encapsulation. The added weight and size may significantly worsen the use of the mobile device. Also, large interfaces are typically provided between the parts of the explosion proof assembly, possibly resulting in an isolated mobile device that is no longer pleasant or comfortable to hold. Moreover, mating apertures may in some cases be used as a means of joining the two parts of the explosion proof assembly, but the mating apertures typically add significant complexity in several respects, such as a high number of additional flame paths to be addressed during the design process of the explosion proof assembly, or an additional complexity being created for the assembly process, which may require many fastening means such as screws to be installed. An example of the sandwich approach can be found in

[0010] US10348354B1.

[0011] Summary

[0012] The invention will now be disclosed and has for its object to remedy or to reduce at least one of the drawbacks of the known prior art, or at least provide a useful alternative to the known prior art. The object is achieved through features, which are specified in the description below and in the claims that follow. The invention is defined by the independent patent claims, and the dependent claims define advantageous embodiments.

[0013] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an explosion proof assembly for isolating a mobile device from an explosive atmosphere, the mobile device being an instance of a mobile device model. The explosion proof assembly comprises a first part and a second part. The first part includes:

[0014] - an interior for housing at least part of the mobile device;

[0015] - a first opening for moving the at least part of the mobile device between the interior and an exterior of the first part; and

[0016] - at least one transparent portion.

[0017] The second part is configured to close the first opening such that the mobile device may be entirely contained by the first part and the second part. When the second part closes the first opening and the mobile device is entirely contained by the first part and the second part, a first gap formed between the first part and the second part is configured to prevent the explosive atmosphere from being ignited by the mobile device. The interior and the first opening are configured to allow sliding the at least part of the mobile device from the exterior, through the first opening, and further into the interior until the at least part of the mobile device reaches a first position. The at least one transparent portion is arranged on the first part such that, when the at least part of the mobile device reaches the first position, each of the at least one transparent portion and the at least part of the mobile device are fixedly positioned relative to each other. It has been realized that the explosion proof assembly according to the first aspect can provide an advantageous alternative to the sandwich approach. The explosion proof assembly can be used for isolating the mobile device from the explosive atmosphere so that the explosive atmosphere remains without being ignited by the mobile device. Thus, a mobile device, while being isolated by the explosion proof assembly, can be safely used within the explosive atmosphere.

[0018] The explosion proof assembly can have a lower weight and / or a lower size. Thus, the explosion proof assembly can achieve a lower overall size being added to the size of the mobile device, compared to an implementation of the sandwich approach. Additionally, the explosion proof assembly can achieve a lower overall weight being added to the weight of the mobile device, compared to an implementation of the sandwich approach.

[0019] It can be advantageous to configure the interior and the first opening to allow sliding the at least part of the mobile device as described above. The possibility of sliding the at least part of the mobile device from the exterior, through the first opening, and further into the interior until the at least part of the mobile device reaches a first position can achieve a first opening that is small compared to the size of the overall size of the explosion proof assembly. A small size of the first opening can result in significantly less complexity and less design effort in order to achieve a safe first flame path that will protect the explosive atmosphere from being ignited by the mobile device. Also, a small first opening can be much easier to close safely and effectively.

[0020] The possibility of sliding the at least part of the mobile device from the exterior to reach the first position, as described above, combined with the arrangement of the at least one transparent portion, as described above, can be advantageous in providing an explosion proof assembly that may be easy to assemble, possibly requiring significantly less assembly effort. Once the at least part of the mobile device reaches the first position, the at least one transparent portion may already be arranged so that each of the at least one transparent portion and the at least part of the mobile device may be fixedly positioned relative to each other. Optionally, the first opening is arranged on the first part such that, when the second part closes the first opening and the mobile device is entirely contained by the first part and the second part, the second part is comprised by a top of the explosion proof assembly relative to a predefined orientation of use of the mobile device.

[0021] Thus, it is possible to provide an alternative to the sandwich approach, and the alternative may achieve advantages that are not possible to achieve in an implementation of the sandwich approach. The first part may be provided having substantially thinner portions standing in between a user's hand and a mobile device when the explosion proof assembly is oriented to provide the mobile device with a predefined orientation of use, such as portrait or landscape. The thinner portions can be achieved because the explosion proof assembly may be designed such that, when the explosion proof assembly is oriented to provide the mobile device with a predefined orientation of use, the portions of the explosion proof assembly which are expected to be grabbed or held by a user can be designed with thinner portions and lower amounts of material. Thus, having the second part be comprised by a top of the explosion proof assembly relative to the predefined orientation of use of the mobile device can contribute to the explosion proof assembly adding less size to the mobile device than the size that is added when implementing the sandwich approach. A similar effect can be made with respect to added weight, in which the explosion proof assembly may result in less weight being added to the mobile device than the weight that would be added when implementing the sandwich approach. Thus, a reduced amount of material can be provided in most parts of the explosion proof assembly, while still achieving an effective isolation of the mobile device from an explosive atmosphere.

[0022] Optionally, one or more of the at least one transparent portion is arranged on the first part such that, when the at least part of the mobile device reaches the first position, a second gap is formed between each of the one or more of the at least one transparent portion and the at least part of the mobile device, the second gap being configured to avoid Newton rings from being formed between each of the one or more of the at least one transparent portion and the at least part of the mobile device. Thus, an explosion proof assembly can be achieved with an advantage of avoiding the formation of Newton rings while still providing and adequate touch performance.

[0023] Optionally, one or more of the at least one transparent portion is arranged on the first part such that, when the at least part of the mobile device reaches the first position, each of the one or more of the at least one transparent portion is in contact against the at least part of the mobile device. Thus, the explosion proof assembly may require less effort to be assembled for isolating a mobile device from an explosive atmosphere.

[0024] Optionally, the first gap is configured to define a first flame path, or the first gap is configured to provide a first cemented joint between the first part and the second part.

[0025] Optionally, each of the at least one transparent portion comprises a second opening on the first part and a transparent part attached to the second opening, wherein a third gap formed between the second opening and the transparent part is configured to prevent the explosive atmosphere from being ignited by the mobile device. Thus, each of the at least one transparent portion can be implemented as a transparent part, such as a piece of glass or another transparent material, attached to the second opening on the first part.

[0026] Optionally, the third gap is configured to define a second flame path, or the third gap is configured to provide a second cemented joint between the second opening and the transparent part.

[0027] Optionally, the first part and the second part are configured to form an overlap with each other, the overlap being formed internally or externally to the first part. When the first part and the second part are configured to form an overlap internally to the first part, an explosion proof assembly may be achieved in which it is easier to close the first opening with the second part. When the first part and the second part are configured to form an overlap externally to the first part, an explosion proof assembly may be achieved with higher compactness near the first opening when the latter is closed by the second part.

[0028] Optionally, the first part comprises at least one member formed from a resilient material, the at least one member being arranged within the interior such that, when the at least part of the mobile device reaches the first position, the at least one member compresses the at least part of the mobile device towards the at least one transparent portion.

[0029] Optionally, the first part comprises a non-metallic portion configured to allow inductive charging of the mobile device.

[0030] Optionally, the first part comprises at least one perforation for permitting an exchange of sound between the mobile device and the explosive atmosphere, the at least one perforation being configured to prevent the explosive atmosphere from being ignited by the mobile device.

[0031] Optionally, each of the at least one perforation is configured to define a third flame path, or, for each of the at least one perforation, the first part comprises a sintered member occupying a cross-section of the perforation.

[0032] Optionally, the first part comprises an insulating material for thermally insulating the mobile device

[0033] Optionally, the explosion proof assembly is configured to provide at least one pair of holes, each pair of holes consisting of a through hole on the second part and a blind hole on the first part such that, when the second part closes the first opening, a fastener is installable into the pair of holes. In a non-limiting example, the fastener may be implemented as a screw, a bolt, a rivet, a nail, a staple, a pin, among others. Thus, an explosion proof assembly can be achieved requiring no through holes crossing all the way through joined parts, which significantly reduces the possible flame paths on the explosion proof assembly. Thus, it is possible to achieve an explosion proof assembly using screws to connect the first part and the second part, but in which the holes are occupied by screws that do not go all the way through the two parts. A design process for the explosion proof assembly may therefore be achieved requiring less concerns about flame paths around screws and holes. Therefore, an improved explosion proof assembly can be achieved for isolating a mobile device from an explosive atmosphere. Moreover, the first opening of the first part and the second part can result in that providing the at least one pair of holes does not require an increase of the portions of the first part that stand between a user's hand and the mobile device. Thus, a design of the first part aimed at providing thin walls between the user's hand and the mobile device can remain unchanged without being affected by the inclusion of the at least one pair of holes.

[0034] Optionally, at least one of the first part and the second part comprises a rigid material. Thus, an explosion proof assembly embodiment can be achieved having a high resistance against damage caused by accidental drops. In some embodiments, the rigid material may be a metal, such as aluminum, which can be advantageous for achieving a low weight and a higher strength to resist crashes against other objects.

[0035] Optionally, the explosion proof assembly comprises a third part connectable to the mobile device prior to sliding the at least part of the mobile device through the first opening, the third part being configured to be pulled by a tool such that, after the third part has been connected to the mobile device and the at least part of the mobile device has reached the first position, a force is applicable by the tool on the third part to move the at least part of the mobile device from the interior, through the first opening, and to the exterior. Thus, an explosion proof assembly can be designed having lower tolerances around the mobile device without jeopardizing the ability to remove the mobile device from the interior of the first part.

[0036] Optionally, the third part is configured to be connected to a protrusion formed by at least one camera sensor of the mobile device.

[0037] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a mobile device assembly including: an explosion proof assembly according to the first aspect of the invention; and a mobile device housed by the explosion proof assembly.

[0038] According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of creating a mobile device assembly, the method comprising the steps of:

[0039] - providing an explosion proof assembly as described in the first aspect of the invention;

[0040] - providing a mobile device, the mobile device being an instance of the mobile device model;

[0041] - sliding the at least part of the mobile device through the first opening and to the interior; and

[0042] - closing the first opening with the second part.

[0043] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of creating a mobile device assembly, the method comprising the steps of:

[0044] - providing an explosion proof assembly as described in the first aspect of the invention comprising a third part;

[0045] - providing a mobile device, the mobile device being an instance of the mobile device model;

[0046] - connecting the third part on the mobile device;

[0047] - sliding the at least part of the mobile device and the third part through the first opening and to the interior; and

[0048] - closing the first opening with the second part.

[0049] According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of removing a mobile device from a mobile device assembly obtainable by carrying out the method of the fourth aspect of the invention, the method of removing comprising the steps of:

[0050] - opening the first opening by removing the second part from the mobile device assembly;

[0051] - providing a tool for pulling the third part;

[0052] - applying, by the tool, a force on the third part connected on the mobile device such that the at least part of the mobile device is moved from the interior, through the first opening, and to the exterior.

[0053] Further benefits and advantages will become apparent after careful reading of the following description with appropriate reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0054] Brief of the

[0055] In the drawings:

[0056] Fig. 1 shows a schematic exploded, perspective view of a first embodiment of an explosion proof assembly;

[0057] Figs. 2A-2B show, as observed from a perspective view, a second embodiment of an explosion proof assembly placed in two orientations; Fig. 3 shows an exploded, perspective view of a mobile device assembly embodiment including the second embodiment of an explosion proof assembly shown in Figs. 2A-2B and a mobile device;

[0058] Fig. 4A shows an elevation view of the mobile device assembly from Fig. 3 when the second part closes the first opening of the first part; and

[0059] Fig. 4B shows a cross-sectional view of the mobile device assembly from Fig. 3.

[0060] The drawings are shown in a schematic and simplified manner, and features may be left out if they are not necessary for an explanation. Identical reference numerals refer to identical or similar features in the drawings. The various features shown in the drawings may not necessarily be drawn to scale.

[0061] Detailed description

[0062] Fig. 1 shows an exploded, perspective view of a first embodiment of an explosion proof assembly 100 for isolating a mobile device 800 (not shown in Fig. 1) from an explosive atmosphere, the mobile device 800 being an instance of a mobile device model, such as a model of a smartphone, a tablet, a handheld electrical device, a battery-powered electrical device, or another mobile electrical device. For example, the mobile device 800 may be an instance of any of the following non-limiting mobile device models: any mobile device model from the Apple iPhone series, such as the iPhone 12, iPhone 13 series, iPhone 15 Pro Max; any mobile device model from the Samsung Galaxy series, such as the Galaxy S21 series, the Note series, the Galaxy S24 Ultra, and the Galaxy Z Fold 6; any mobile device model from OnePlus, such as OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro; any mobile device model from the Google Pixel Series, such as Pixel 5 or Pixel 8a; any mobile device model from the Xiaomi Redmi and Mi Series, such as the Redmi Note 10 and Mi 11; any mobile device model from the OPPO and Vivo Phone series; any mobile device model from the Sony Xperia series, such as Xperia 1 II and Xperia 5 II were notable models; among others. It will be understood that the explosion proof assembly 100 may be implemented as a case assembly for isolating the mobile device 800 from the explosive atmosphere. The explosion proof assembly 100 includes a first part 110 (observable in the bottom half of Fig. 1) and a second part 120 (observable in the top portion of Fig. 1). The first part 110 includes an interior 111 for housing the mobile device 800. The first part 110 also includes a first opening 112 for moving the mobile device 800 between the interior 111 and an exterior of the first part 110. Moreover, the first part 110 includes one transparent portion 113. It will be appreciated that the first part 110 may include at least one transparent portion 113. In a non-limiting example, the first part 110 may include a transparent portion 113 on one side and another transparent portion on another side. In a further non-limiting example, the first part 110 may include more transparent portions 113, such as three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or more transparent portions 113. When the first part includes a plurality of transparent portions 113, two or more transparent portions 113 may be provided on a shared portion of the first part 110. For example, when the mobile device 800 model includes a plurality of camera lenses, a respective transparent portion 113 may be provided for each of the camera lenses, the respective transparent portions 113 being provided on a same portion of the first part 110, such as a contiguous surface of the first part 110.

[0063] The second part 120 is configured to close the first opening 112 of the first part 110. Closing the first opening 112 results in that the mobile device 800 is entirely contained by the first part 110 and the second part 120. That is, the mobile device 800 may be entirely contained by closing the first opening 112 of the first part 110 using the second part 120 and while the mobile device 800 is located within the interior 111 of the first part 110. It will be appreciated that, in an alternative design of the explosion proof assembly 100, the interior 111 of the first part 110 may be configured to house at least part of the mobile device 800 and the second part 120 may be configured to cover the remaining part of the mobile device 800, such that the mobile device 800 may be entirely contained by the first part 110 and the second part 120 when the first opening 112 is closed by the second part 120.

[0064] When the second part 120 closes the first opening 112 and the mobile device 800 is entirely contained by the first part 110 and the second part 120, a first gap formed between the first part 110 and the second part 120 is configured to prevent the explosive atmosphere from being ignited by the mobile device 800. Configuring the first gap to prevent the explosive atmosphere from being ignited by the mobile device 800 can be achieved by configuring the first part 110 and the second 120. In one non-limiting example, the first gap can be configured to define a first flame path, which restricts a flame originating from the mobile device 800 from travelling all the way through the first flame path and igniting the explosive atmosphere. The first flame path may be configured to separate the interior 111 from the explosive atmosphere by a cumulative length in compliance with a standard related to the use of electric devices in an explosive atmosphere, such as a cumulative length of at least 6 mm. In another embodiment, the first flame path may be configured to separate the interior 111 from the explosive atmosphere by a cumulative length proportional to an inner volume of the interior 111. In another non-limiting example, the first gap may be configured to provide a first cemented joint between the first part 110 and the second part 120. By "cemented joint" it is meant a joint having a gap formed between the first part 110 and the second part 120 and comprising an adhesive, such as a glue, a resin, a cement, a mucilage, or a paste. The cemented joint may be configured to separate the interior 111 from the explosive atmosphere by a cumulative length in compliance with a standard related to the use of electric devices in an explosive atmosphere, such as a cumulative length of at least 3 mm while occupying the gap formed between the first part 110 and the second part 120 with an adhesive, such as a glue, a resin, a cement, a mucilage, or a paste.

[0065] It can be observed in the explosion proof assembly 100 shown in Fig. 1 that the first part 110 and the second part 120 are configured to form an overlap with each other. The first part 110 includes an overlapping surface 114 near the first opening 112 and the second part 120 include another overlapping surface 124, both overlapping surfaces 114, 124 being configured to come into contact with each other when the second part 120 closes the first opening 112. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the overlapping surface 114 of the first part 110 is formed internally to the first part 110, which can be advantageous in making it easier to close the first opening 112 with the second part 120 during an assembly process. It will be appreciated that the overlapping surface 114 of the first part 110 could be formed externally to the first part 110 and the another overlapping surface 124 of the second part 120 can be altered accordingly, which can be advantageous in achieving a higher compactness near the first opening 112 when the latter is closed by the second part 120. The interior 111 and the first opening 112 are configured to allow sliding the mobile device 800 from the exterior, through the first opening 112, and further into the interior 11 until the mobile device 800 reaches a first position. For example, looking at Fig. 1, it can be visualized that such a sliding motion could be carried out by sliding the mobile device 800 from the top portion of Fig. 1, downwards (relative to the orientation of Fig. 1), through the first opening 112, and into the interior 111 of the first part 110 until the mobile device 800 reaches the first position.

[0066] The transparent portion 113 provided on the first 110 is arranged on the first part 110 such that, when the mobile device 800 reaches the first position, the transparent portion 113 and the mobile device 800 are fixedly positioned relative to each other. It will be appreciated there are different manners of implementing the fixed positioning as described herein.

[0067] In one example, the transparent portion 113 can be arranged on the first part 110 such that, when the mobile device 800 reaches the first position, a second gap is formed between the transparent portion 113 and the at least part of the mobile device 800, the second gap being configured to avoid Newton rings from being formed between the transparent portion 113 and the mobile device 800. In a non-limiting example, the second gap may separate the transparent portion 113 from the mobile device 800 by a distance of 50 pm or more, the distance being perpendicular to an outer surface of the mobile device 800. In practice, it has been found that such a second gap still enables adequate touch performance in the case of the transparent portion 113 being located in front of a touch screen of the mobile device 800. That is, it will still be possible for a user to interact with a touch screen of the mobile device while touching, from the exterior of the first part 110, on the transparent portion 113 of the first part 110. It will be appreciated that the second gap may be formed in many known ways without requiring inventive skills. For example, on a side of the transparent portion 113 to be facing the interior 111 of the first part 110, a tape or an adhesive putty may be added on a periphery of the transparent portion 113 such that the second gap is formed between the transparent portion 113 and the mobile device 800. In another example, the transparent portion 113 can be arranged on the first part 110 such that, when the mobile device 800 reaches the first position, the transparent portion 113 can be in contact against the mobile device 800. In this example, the design of the first part 110 can be advantageous in providing a simple way to minimize empty spaces within the interior 111 when the mobile device 800 is entirely contained.

[0068] It will be appreciated that the transparent portion 113 can be provided on the first part 110 in various ways without requiring inventive skills. For example, the transparent portion 113 may comprise a second opening on the first part 110 and a transparent part attached to the second opening. The transparent part can be implemented in many ways, such as a piece of tempered glass, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), polyurethane, silicone, glass-ceramic, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA, commonly known as acrylic), a glass composite, or a composite thereof. The transparent part can be attached to the second opening, for example:

[0069] - by applying an adhesive (e.g. a cement, a mucilage, a glue, a paste, or any substance that is capable of holding materials together in a functional manner by surface attachment that resists separation) between the transparent part and the second opening;

[0070] - by having a groove or cavity formed on the first part 110, the groove or cavity being configured to be fitted with the transparent part; and / or

[0071] - by having a groove or cavity formed on the first part 110, the groove or cavity being configured to be fitted with the transparent part and a wedge driven into the groove or cavity for tightening the transparent part.

[0072] In the explosion proof assembly 100 embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the first opening 112 is arranged on the first part 110 such that, when the second part 120 closes the first opening 112 and the mobile device 800 is entirely contained by the first part 110 and the second part 120, the second part 120 is comprised by a top of the explosion proof assembly 100 relative to a predefined orientation of use of the mobile device. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the predefined orientation may be characterized as a portrait orientation. It will be appreciated that other predefined orientations (e.g. landscape or diagonal orientation) may be chosen without requiring inventive skill. Thus, the first part 110 may be provided having substantially thinner portions, such as walls, standing in between a user's hand and the mobile device 800 when the explosion proof assembly 100 is oriented to provide the mobile device 800 with the predefined orientation of use.

[0073] Figs. 2A and 2B show, from a perspective view, a second embodiment of an explosion proof assembly 100 placed in two orientations. In Fig. 2A, the explosion proof assembly 100 is shown placed with a first orientation on a surface and in Fig. 2B the explosion proof assembly 100 is shown with a second orientation corresponding to a rotation of substantially 180 degrees of the first orientation. In other words, the side of the explosion proof assembly that is facing upwards in Fig. 2A is facing downwards in Fig. 2B.

[0074] The explosion proof assembly 100 shown in Figs. 2A and 2B includes a first part 110 and a second part 120, the second part 120 being installed such that it closes the first opening 112 (not observable in Figs. 2A and 2B).

[0075] The first part 110 includes a transparent portion 113 arranged on the first part 110 such that it occupies the majority of one side of the explosion proof assembly 100. This transparent portion 113 can be observed in Fig. 2A on the side of the explosion proof assembly 100 that is facing up. The first part 110 includes other transparent portions 113a. One of the other transparent portions 113a can be observed in Fig. 2B, which is arranged on the first part 110 such that it overlays a camera lens of the mobile device 800 when the mobile device 800 is contained by the explosion proof assembly 100. The first part 110 includes further transparent portions, but in Figs. 2A and 2B only two transparent portions 113, 113a are assigned with reference numerals in the interest of brevity.

[0076] Compared to the first embodiment of the explosion proof assembly 100 shown in Fig. 1, it can be observed that the second embodiment of the explosion proof assembly 100 includes additional features.

[0077] One additional feature is shown in Fig. 2B: the first part 110 can include a non-metallic portion 115 configured to allow inductive charging of a mobile device 800 (not shown in Figs. 2A-2B) when the latter is contained by the explosion proof assembly 100. This arrangement can make it efficient to start a charging procedure, as the explosion proof assembly 100 may be positioned on top of an inductive charger with the inductive charger being aligned and in contact with the non-metallic portion 115. It will be apparent for a skilled person that, for such an inductive charging procedure to occur successfully, the mobile device 800 must be configured to allow such an inductive charging procedure.

[0078] Another additional feature is shown in Figs. 2A and 2B: the first part 110 can include two portions comprising perforations 118a, 118b for exchanging sound between the exterior of the explosion proof assembly 100 and a mobile device 800 when the latter is contained by the explosion proof assembly 100. The perforations 118a, 118b are configured to prevent the explosive atmosphere from being ignited by the mobile device 800 when the latter is contained by the explosion proof assembly 100. It will be appreciated that the perforations 118a, 118b may be configured in many ways without requiring inventive skills. For example, the perforations 118a, 118b may be arranged in groups, each group having different numbers of perforations, such as one, two, three, four, five, ten, twenty, thirty, or more perforations 118a, 118b.

[0079] It will also be appreciated that there are various ways of configuring each perforation 118a, 118b to prevent the explosive atmosphere from being ignited by the mobile device 800. In a non-limiting example, each perforation 118a, 118b may be configured to provide a channel with a maximum cross-sectional area of 7.8 x IO-9mm2, such as a circular cross section with 0.1 mm in diameter, and having a sufficient cumulative length between the interior 111 and the exterior to prevent the explosive atmosphere from being ignited by the mobile device 800, such as a cumulative length of at least 6 mm.

[0080] In another non-limiting example, the first part 110 can be configured to prevent liquids from entering but allow the passage of sound and for pressure release and / or compensation. In one example, the first part 110 may comprise, for each perforation 118a, 118b, a sintered member occupying a cross-section of the perforation 118a, 118b. It will be appreciated that the sintered member may be implemented in many known ways without requiring inventive skills. In a non-limiting example, the sintered member may be formed by a sintered material comprising stainless steel, bronze, titanium, polyethylene, nickel alloy, or a combination thereof. In a further embodiment, the first part 110 may include, for each perforation 118a, 118b, a membrane, which may contribute to preventing the explosive atmosphere from being ignited by the mobile device 800. There are many possible membranes that can be provided by a skilled person without requiring inventive skills. In a non-limiting example, the membrane can be made of a breathable and water proof material, such as Gore-Tex. In a further embodiment, the first part 110 may be adapted to provide a frame at the outer end of one or more perforations 118a, 118b, the frame being suitable for holding the membrane and / or sintered member relative to the perforation 118a, 118b.

[0081] It will be appreciated that at least one of the first part 110 and the second part 120 may comprise a rigid material, such as a metallic material, like aluminum or steel, a plastic material, a composite material, like a carbon or glass fiber composite material, or a combination of these materials. It will be appreciated that a skilled person knows many options for a rigid material without requiring inventive skills.

[0082] Both the first embodiment and the second embodiment of the explosion proof assembly 100 shown in Fig. 1, 2A, and 2B can be used in a method for creating a mobile device assembly 200. In one embodiment, such a method includes the steps of:

[0083] - providing the explosion proof assembly 100;

[0084] - providing the mobile device 800;

[0085] - sliding the mobile device 800 through the first opening 112 and to the interior 111; and

[0086] - closing the first opening 112 with the second part 120.

[0087] Thus, the mobile device assembly 200 is created.

[0088] Figs. 3, 4A, and 4B show an embodiment of a mobile device assembly 200 from different views, the mobile device assembly 200 including the second embodiment of an explosion proof assembly 100 shown in Figs. 2A-2B and a mobile device 800.

[0089] The exploded view in Fig. 3 allows observing the explosion proof assembly 100 and the mobile device 800 at a moment during the execution of a method of creating a mobile device assembly 200, in particular, at a moment in which the mobile device 800 has been partly slid through the first opening 112 (not shown observable in Fig. 3) of the first part 110 and before the first opening 122 of the first part 110 has been closed by the second part 120. It will be appreciated that, to close the second embodiment of the explosion proof assembly 100 such that it entirely contains the mobile device 800 (i.e. to close the first opening 112 of the first part 110), the mobile device 800 needs to be further slid through the first opening 112 and into the first part 110 until the mobile device 800 reaches a first position, at which point the second part 120 can close the first opening 112 of the first part 110.

[0090] In Fig. 3, an additional feature of the second embodiment of the explosion proof assembly 100 can be observed: a third part 130 for aiding a user during the removal of the mobile device 800 from within the first part 110. The third part 130 is connected to the mobile device 800 by being mounted on a protrusion formed by a set of camera sensors on the mobile device 800. It will be appreciated that, in one method embodiment for creating a mobile device assembly 800, the third part 130 will be carried by the mobile device 800 into the first part 110 when the mobile device 800 is slid into the first part 110. In one example, a method of creating a mobile device assembly includes the steps of:

[0091] - providing an explosion proof assembly 100 (see Fig. 3) including a third part 130;

[0092] - providing a mobile device 800;

[0093] - connecting the third part 130 on the mobile device 800;

[0094] - sliding the mobile device 800 and the third part 130 through the first opening 112 and to the interior 111 of the first part 110; and

[0095] - closing the first opening 112 with the second part 120.

[0096] After the third part 130 and the mobile device 800 have been slid into the first part 110, the third part 130 can be used for aiding the removal of the mobile device 800 from within the first part 110. The third part 130 is configured to be pulled by a tool 700, observable in Fig. 3. The tool 700 can be used to reach into the first part 110, connect to the third part 130 and apply a force on the third part 130 such that the mobile device 800 is moved from the interior 111 of the first part 110, through the first opening 112, and to the exterior of the first part 110. Thus, the mobile device assembly 100 can be designed such that it can house the mobile device 800 with tight tolerances and that, later, the mobile device 800 may still be removed efficiently from within the first part 110. In some cases, the first part 110 can be designed with tolerances so tight relative to the mobile device 800 that vacuum forces may be created while trying to remove the mobile device 800, and the third part 130 can then be an effective way of overcoming such vacuum forces.

[0097] The possible connection of the third part 130 to the mobile device 800 can be achieved in several ways. In one example, the third part 130 can be mounted on a portion of the mobile device 800, such as a protrusion of the mobile device 800. As shown in the nonlimiting example of Fig. 3, a protrusion may be formed by at least one camera sensor of the mobile device 800. In another non-limiting example, the third part 130 may be glued onto a portion of the mobile device 800. In a further non-limiting example, the third part 130 may be screwed onto a portion of the mobile device 800. And in yet another nonlimiting example, a combination of these connection methods may be carried out. It will be appreciated that a skilled person knows many options for connecting the third part 130 to the mobile device 800 without requiring inventive skills.

[0098] In Fig. 3, a further additional feature is shown: the explosion proof assembly 100 can include a plurality of pairs of holes and fasteners 117a, 117b for fastening the second part 120 to the first part 110 when the second part 120 closes the first opening 112. Each pair of holes includes a through hole on the second part 120 and a bling hole on the first part 110. Each fastener 117a, 117b in Fig. 3 is placed through a through hole of the second part 120. When the second part 120 closes the first opening 112, the fastener 117a, 117b can be fastened to the blind hole in the first part 110. Including blind holes in the first part 110 can be advantageous in reducing the number of gaps that need to be taken into account when designing the explosion proof assembly 100 such that the mobile device 800 is prevented from igniting an explosive atmosphere surrounding the explosion proof assembly 100.

[0099] Figs. 4A and 4B are intended to provide a cross-sectional view through the mobile device assembly 200 shown in Fig. 3 after the second part 120 has closed the first opening 112 of the first part 110. For that illustrative purpose, Fig. 4A firstly shows an elevation view of the mobile device assembly 200 and indicators A-A marking where a cross-sectional view is to be made, and Fig. 4B then shows the cross-sectional view A-A through the mobile device assembly 200 shown in Fig. 4A.

[0100] Turning to Fig. 4B, it is possible to see that the explosion proof assembly 100, when the first opening 112 of the first part 110 is closed by the second part 120, entirely contains the mobile device 800. The second part 120 can be observed at the top of the explosion proof assembly 100 (top portion of Fig. 4B) while closing the first opening 112 of the first part 110. The left-hand side (relative to figure 4B) of the explosion proof assembly 100 corresponds to the side of the explosion proof assembly 100 having a transparent portion 113 that occupies the majority of the explosion proof assembly's side (colloquially referred to as the front face side). The opposite side (i.e. right-hand side of Fig. 4B) of the explosion proof assembly 100 corresponds to the side on which the non-metallic part 115 and the camera lenses of the mobile device 800 are provided (colloquially referred to as the back side).

[0101] An additional feature of the explosion proof assembly 100 can be observed in Fig. 4B: the first part 110 can include a member 116 formed from a resilient material and arranged to compress the mobile device 800 towards the transparent portion 113 on the front face side (i.e. left-hand side in Fig. 4B) of the explosion proof assembly 100 when the mobile device 800 is at the first position. It will be appreciated that the skilled person will be able to provide, without requiring inventive skill, many options for a resilient material suitable for achieving the intended compression. In a non-limiting example, the resilient material may be any of memory foam, silicone rubber, polyurethane foam, cellulose sponge, melamine foam, silicone sponge, open-cell neoprene sponge, neoprene, gel padding, or a combination thereof.

[0102] The terms used in this description and claims are interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless explicitly defined otherwise. Notwithstanding, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. These terms are not interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or integers. Furthermore, the indefinite article "a" or "an" is interpreted openly as introducing at least one instance of an entity, unless explicitly stated otherwise. An entity introduced by an indefinite article is not excluded from being interpreted as a plurality of the entity.

[0103] The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or in the following claims, or in the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for obtaining the disclosed results, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilized for realizing an embodiment of the invention in diverse forms thereof.

[0104] While the invention has been described in conjunction with the embodiments described above, many equivalent modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art when given this disclosure. Accordingly, the embodiments of the invention set forth above are considered to be illustrative and not limiting. Various changes to the described embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

C l a i m s1. An explosion proof assembly for isolating a mobile device from an explosive atmosphere, the mobile device being an instance of a mobile device model, wherein the explosion proof assembly comprises a first part and a second part, wherein the first part includes:- an interior for housing at least part of the mobile device;- a first opening for moving the at least part of the mobile device between the interior and an exterior of the first part; and- at least one transparent portion, wherein the second part is configured to close the first opening such that the mobile device may be entirely contained by the first part and the second part, wherein, when the second part closes the first opening and the mobile device is entirely contained by the first part and the second part, a first gap formed between the first part and the second part is configured to prevent the explosive atmosphere from being ignited by the mobile device, wherein the interior and the first opening are configured to allow sliding the at least part of the mobile device from the exterior, through the first opening, and further into the interior until the at least part of the mobile device reaches a first position, and wherein the at least one transparent portion is arranged on the first part such that, when the at least part of the mobile device reaches the first position, each of the at least one transparent portion and the at least part of the mobile device are fixedly positioned relative to each other.

2. The explosion proof assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first opening is arranged on the first part such that, when the second part closes the first opening and the mobile device is entirely contained by the first part and the second part, the second part is comprised by a top of the explosion proof assembly relative to a predefined orientation of use of the mobile device.

3. The explosion proof assembly according to any of the claims 1 to 2, wherein one or more of the at least one transparent portion is arranged on the first part such that, when the at least part of the mobile device reaches the first position, a second gap is formed between each of the one or more of the at least one transparent portion and the at least part of the mobile device, the second gap being configured to avoid Newton rings from being formed between each of the one or more of the at least one transparent portion and the at least part of the mobile device.

4. The explosion proof assembly according to any of the claims 1 to 2, wherein one or more of the at least one transparent portion is arranged on the first part such that, when the at least part of the mobile device reaches the first position, each of the one or more of the at least one transparent portion is in contact against the at least part of the mobile device.

5. The explosion proof assembly according to any of the claims 1 to 4, wherein the first gap is configured to define a first flame path, or wherein the first gap is configured to provide a first cemented joint between the first part and the second part.

6. The explosion proof assembly according to any of the claims 1 to 5, wherein each of the at least one transparent portion comprises a second opening on the first part and a transparent part attached to the second opening, wherein a third gap formed between the second opening and the transparent part is configured to prevent the explosive atmosphere from being ignited by the mobile device.

7. The explosion proof assembly according to claim 6, wherein the third gap is configured to define a second flame path, or wherein the third gap is configured to provide a second cemented joint between the second opening and the transparent part.

8. The explosion proof assembly according to any of the claims 1 to 7, wherein the first part and the second part are configured to form an overlap with each other, the overlap being formed internally or externally to the first part.

9. The explosion proof assembly according to any of the claims 1 to 8, wherein the first part comprises at least one member formed from a resilient material, the at least one member being arranged within the interior such that, when the at least part of the mobile device reaches the first position, the at least one member compresses the at least part of the mobile device towards the at least one transparent portion.

10. The explosion proof assembly according to any of the claims 1 to 9, wherein the first part comprises a non-metallic portion configured to allow inductive charging of the mobile device.

11. The explosion proof assembly according to any of the claims 1 to 10, wherein the first part comprises at least one perforation for permitting an exchange of sound between the mobile device and the explosive atmosphere, the at least one perforation being configured to prevent the explosive atmosphere from being ignited by the mobile device.

12. The explosion proof assembly according to claim 11, wherein each of the at least one perforation is configured to define a third flame path, or wherein, for each of the at least one perforation, the first part comprises a sintered member occupying a cross-section of the perforation.

13. The explosion proof assembly according to any of the claims 1 to 12, wherein the first part comprises an insulating material for thermally insulating the mobile device.

14. The explosion proof assembly according to any of the claims 1 to 13, wherein the explosion proof assembly is configured to provide at least one pair of holes, each pair of holes consisting of a through hole on the second part and a blind hole onthe first part such that, when the second part closes the first opening, a fastener is installable into the pair of holes.

15. The explosion proof assembly according to any of the claims 1 to 14, wherein at least one of the first part and the second part comprises a rigid material.

16. The explosion proof assembly according to any of the claims 1 to 15, wherein the explosion proof assembly comprises a third part connectable to the mobile device prior to sliding the at least part of the mobile device through the first opening, the third part being configured to be pulled by a tool such that, after the third part has been connected to the mobile device and the at least part of the mobile device has reached the first position, a force is applicable by the tool on the third part to move the at least part of the mobile device from the interior, through the first opening, and to the exterior.

17. The explosion proof assembly according to claim 16, wherein the third part is configured to be connected to a protrusion formed by at least one camera sensor of the mobile device.

18. A mobile device assembly including:- an explosion proof assembly according to any one of the claims 1 to 17; and- a mobile device housed by the explosion proof assembly.

19. A method of creating a mobile device assembly, the method comprising the steps of:- providing an explosion proof assembly as described in any of the claims 1 to 17;- providing a mobile device, the mobile device being an instance of the mobile device model;- sliding the at least part of the mobile device through the first opening and to the interior; and- closing the first opening with the second part.

20. A method of creating a mobile device assembly, the method comprising the steps of:- providing an explosion proof assembly as described in any of the claims 16 to 17;- providing a mobile device, the mobile device being an instance of the mobile device model;- connecting the third part on the mobile device;- sliding the at least part of the mobile device and the third part through the first opening and to the interior; and- closing the first opening with the second part.

21. A method of removing a mobile device from a mobile device assembly obtainable by carrying out the method of claim 20, the method of removing comprising the steps of:- opening the first opening by removing the second part from the mobile device assembly; - providing a tool for pulling the third part;- applying, by the tool, a force on the third part connected on the mobile device such that the at least part of the mobile device is moved from the interior, through the first opening, and to the exterior.

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