Air Vent Structure for Electronic Device Waterproofing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices with waterproof structures face issues due to air pressure differences between the internal sealed space and the external environment, leading to malfunctions such as fogging, air pressure sensor failures, and poor receiver diaphragm restoration. Additionally, breathable waterproof members used to mitigate these issues are vulnerable to impact and water pressure, potentially leading to damage and loss of waterproof functionality.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an air vent in the electronic device's cover, housing, or window, which is designed to reduce water pressure and induce a smooth airflow. This air vent is configured with a breathable waterproof member, such as Gore-Tex, to maintain waterproof functionality while allowing air to flow and reducing the risk of damage from water pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a waterproof structure is implemented to prevent moisture inflow, then waterproof function is improved, but air pressure difference causes malfunctions such as fogging, sensor failure, and poor diaphragm restoration
Solution Approach 1:
The air vent structure divides the single vent opening into multiple smaller openings arranged in an array. This segmentation allows air to escape through multiple pathways while maintaining the waterproof seal, effectively equalizing air pressure between the sealed internal space and external environment without compromising the waterproof function.
Solution Approach 2:
The breathable waterproof member is selectively positioned only in specific regions where air pressure equalization is needed, rather than covering the entire surface. This localized application allows air flow where required while maintaining waterproof integrity in other areas, resolving the contradiction between pressure equalization and moisture prevention.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a breathable waterproof member is used to allow air flow, then air pressure difference is reduced, but the waterproof member becomes vulnerable to impact and water pressure damage
Solution Approach 1:
The air vent openings are positioned and sized to equalize air pressure before water pressure can damage the breathable waterproof member. By providing multiple air escape pathways, the system prevents pressure buildup that would otherwise stress the waterproof member, cushioning it against impact and water pressure damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The breathable waterproof member is selectively positioned only in specific regions where air pressure equalization is needed, rather than covering the entire surface. This localized application allows air flow where required while maintaining waterproof integrity in other areas, resolving the contradiction between pressure equalization and moisture prevention.
3Reliability
If a sealed structure is used to prevent moisture inflow, then waterproof function is improved, but air flow is blocked causing pressure buildup
Solution Approach 1:
The air vent structure divides the single vent opening into multiple smaller openings arranged in an array. This segmentation allows air to escape through multiple pathways while maintaining the waterproof seal, effectively equalizing air pressure between the sealed internal space and external environment without compromising the waterproof function.
Solution Approach 2:
The breathable waterproof member acts as an intermediary element that selectively allows air molecules to pass through while blocking water molecules. This selective permeability enables air flow for pressure equalization while maintaining the waterproof barrier, resolving the contradiction between sealing and ventilation.
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 air vent effectively reduces air pressure differences and water pressure, preventing damage to the breathable waterproof member and ensuring a smooth, waterproof function. This solution addresses the malfunctions caused by air pressure differences and maintains the integrity of the waterproof structure.
Implementation Method 1
a breathable waterproof member (e.g., Gore-Tex) that passes air and blocks moisture and/or foreign substances in the internal space of the electronic device
Implementation Method 2
an air vent formed in the cover, housing, or window to remove the air pressure difference between the sealed internal space of the electronic device and the external environment by inducing an air flow
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a housing including an opening, a first cover disposed in the housing to close the opening and includes a first surface facing the outside and a second surface facing an internal space of the housing, at least one air vent formed from the first surface to the second surface in a region of the first cover to connect the outside of the electronic device to the internal space and includes a first space formed to have a specified depth in a direction starting from the first surface to the second surface, and a second space formed to have a specified depth in a direction starting from the second surface to the first surface, wherein the first space and the second space are connected, and a breathable waterproof member disposed to close the second space in the second surface.