Acoustic Waterproof Structure with Replaceable Breathable Film

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sealing structures for electronic devices, such as those using dispensing glue, incur high maintenance costs due to their non-repairable and costly nature, which is a challenge for achieving both desirable acoustic and waterproof performance, especially in wearable devices.

Innovation Solution

An acoustic waterproof structure comprising a casing, a waterproof breathable film, a stretchable material piece, and a rigid supporting piece, where the waterproof breathable film allows audio transmission while preventing liquid ingress, supported by the stretchable material piece and rigid supporting piece, which absorbs forces to maintain sealing without deforming the film, allowing for easy replacement of the film to reduce maintenance costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If dispensing glue is used for sealing, then waterproof performance is achieved, but maintenance cost increases and repairability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewaterproof performanceVSAvoidrepairability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing structure is divided into separate functional components: a reusable casing with sealing structure and a replaceable waterproof breathable film. This segmentation allows the film to be replaced independently without damaging the casing or requiring glue dispensing, thus improving repairability while maintaining waterproof performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The waterproof breathable film is designed as a low-cost, replaceable component that can be easily swapped when degraded or damaged. This approach replaces the expensive, non-repairable glue-based sealing with an affordable consumable film, reducing maintenance costs while preserving waterproof functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Reliability

If dispensing glue is used for sealing, then waterproof performance is achieved, but maintenance cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewaterproof performanceVSAvoidmaintenance cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing structure is designed to be user-replaceable without requiring specialized tools or professional service. The film can be removed and replaced by end users through simple manual operations, eliminating the need for costly professional maintenance services while maintaining reliable waterproof performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If rigid supporting piece is used to extrude stretchable material, then waterproof performance is improved, but acoustic performance may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewaterproof performanceVSAvoidacoustic performance degradation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The rigid supporting piece is designed with localized through-holes that provide structural support and waterproofing in critical areas while allowing acoustic wave transmission. This local quality approach ensures that rigidity is provided only where needed for sealing, while acoustic performance is preserved through strategically positioned openings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing structure combines rigid supporting piece (providing structural integrity and waterproofing) with stretchable material (providing acoustic transmission and flexibility). This composite design allows the rigid component to ensure waterproof performance while the stretchable material and through-holes maintain acoustic functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution effectively meets high-level waterproof requirements while minimizing maintenance costs by allowing audio transmission and preventing liquid ingress, ensuring reliable acoustic performance and easy replacement of the waterproof film, thus reducing long-term maintenance expenses.

Implementation Method 1

a waterproof breathable film (2), a stretchable material piece (3) and a rigid supporting piece (4); one side of the waterproof breathable film (2) is sealed and connected to the casing (1) and covers the casing sound hole (11)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSelective permeability: Semipermeable Membrane

Implementation Method 2

the other side of the waterproof breathable film abuts against the stretchable material piece; the rigid supporting piece extrudes the stretchable material piece

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11924607B2Electronic device and acoustic waterproof structure

Publication Date: 2024.03.05 GOERTEK INC

AI summary

An acoustic waterproof structure is provided according to the present application, which includes a casing, a waterproof breathable film, a stretchable material piece and a rigid supporting piece. A casing sound hole is provided on the casing, one side of the waterproof breathable film is sealed and connected to the casing and covers the casing sound hole, and the other side of the waterproof breathable film abuts against the stretchable material piece. A stretchable material piece sound hole is provided on the stretchable material piece; at least one through hole is provided on the rigid supporting piece, one side of the rigid supporting piece is sealed and connected to the casing and extrudes the stretchable material piece, and the other side of the rigid supporting piece is configured to connect to an acoustic device.