Actuator Stopper Mechanism for Wearable Device Drop Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable electronic devices face damage from external shocks or loads exceeding design criteria when the input apparatus, such as a key button actuator, protrudes and contacts the floor upon dropping, causing damage to the actuator or coupled electronic components.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device design featuring a housing with a movable actuator and a stopper mechanism that regulates the actuator's movement, preventing it from being moved inward when the device is dropped, thereby preventing shock or load transmission to electronic components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the actuator protrudes relative to the exterior of the electronic device to enable user input, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates because external shock or load can directly damage the actuator or coupled electronic components
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper is pre-positioned within the actuator's movement path to provide protective cushioning before damage can occur. When the device is dropped or subjected to external shock, the stopper absorbs the impact force before it reaches the electronic components, preventing damage while maintaining the actuator's protruding position for normal user input operations
Solution Approach 2:
The stopper acts as an intermediary element between the actuator and the electronic components. It intercepts and absorbs external shock forces, preventing direct transmission to the vulnerable electronic components while allowing the actuator to maintain its functional protruding position for user interaction
2Ease of operation
If the actuator is allowed to move freely in response to external force, then the ease of operation is improved, but the object-affected harmful factors worsen because shock transmission can damage electronic components
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper converts the harmful shock transmission into a beneficial protective mechanism. By being positioned to receive impact forces first, the stopper transforms potentially damaging shock waves into controlled stopping forces that protect the electronic components, while the actuator remains responsive to deliberate user input forces
3Ease of operation
If the actuator movement is unrestricted to maintain functionality, then the ease of operation is improved, but the loss of energy worsens because impact energy is transmitted to and damages electronic components
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper provides pre-positioned cushioning that absorbs impact energy before it can be transmitted to the electronic components. This energy absorption occurs beforehand during the impact event, preventing energy loss through component damage while maintaining the actuator's full mobility for normal operation
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device may include a housing with an internal space and a hole comprising an opening through the housing; an actuator extending in a direction from a first end to a second end, and coupled to the hole to be movable in the direction, the first end exposed to the outside of the housing and the second end disposed to the internal space; at least one electronic component disposed the internal space, the electronic component generating an electric signal when the actuator is moved in the direction in response to application of an external force applied at the first end; and a stopper being configured to regulate a movement of the actuator in the direction in a specific state of the electronic device. Various other embodiments are possible.