Bilinear Elastic Frame Structure for Cover Glass Impact Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumer products, particularly handheld electronics with cover glasses, suffer from damage due to impact forces, leading to compromised touch functionality or display characteristics, necessitating a need for materials or structures that can mitigate such forces.
Innovation Solution
A bilinear elastic property in compression is incorporated into frame structures, characterized by a first and second linear slope in the force versus displacement curve, which can be tailored to reduce impact forces and prevent permanent deformation, using materials like foam, bistable beams, or honeycomb structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If linearly elastic materials are used in frame structures, then the structure maintains simplicity and structural integrity, but impact forces are not sufficiently mitigated, leading to cover glass failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from linearly elastic materials to bilinear elastic materials with distinct first and second moduli. The first modulus operates during initial compression to provide structural support, while the second modulus activates during larger deformations to mitigate impact forces, thereby protecting the cover glass without compromising structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The bilinear elastic structure serves as a pre-configured cushioning mechanism between the cover glass and the support. During normal operation, the first modulus maintains structural rigidity, but upon impact, the structure transitions to the second modulus to absorb and dissipate impact energy before it reaches the cover glass, effectively cushioning against damage in advance
2Reliability
If thicker protective structures are used to mitigate impact forces, then impact resistance improves, but device thickness increases, compromising the thin profile requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material principles by creating a bilinear elastic structure that combines two different elastic moduli within a single thin component. This composite approach allows the structure to exhibit both high stiffness (first modulus) for structural support and high compliance (second modulus) for impact absorption, achieving superior impact resistance in a thin profile that would be impossible with homogeneous materials
3Reliability
If bilinear elastic structures are implemented, then impact force mitigation improves by up to 50%, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the complexity issue by implementing parameter changes within the material properties rather than adding structural complexity. The bilinear elastic material achieves enhanced impact mitigation (up to 50% reduction) through its dual-modulus characteristic, allowing a single homogeneous structure to provide both structural support and impact protection without requiring multiple components or complex geometries
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 bilinear elastic property effectively reduces contact forces during impacts, minimizing the risk of cover glass failure and extending the device's lifespan by up to 50% compared to linearly elastic materials, while maintaining a thin profile and integrating seamlessly into existing designs.
Implementation Method 1
The present disclosure is directed to structures having a bilinear elastic property designed to mitigate the effect of impact force
Data Source
AI summary
Devices comprising a structure comprising a bilinear elastic property in compression for mitigating impact forces. In aspects, the device can comprise a frame with the structure comprising a bilinear elastic property in compression. In aspects, the device can comprise a cover glass layer and an electronic display, and the structure comprising a bilinear elastic property in compression is configured to mitigate the effect of impact forces on the cover glass layer, the electronic display, or both.