Camera Housing Waterproofing via Compression Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waterproof structures for camera devices in portable terminals require additional mounting space and are unreliable due to adhesive wear-off issues, limiting device miniaturization and performance.
Innovation Solution
A waterproof/dustproof structure for camera devices that eliminates the need for mounting space by using a camera housing structure with annular protrusions and a support member to compress the barrel structure, ensuring a watertight seal without separate fixing elements, thus enhancing the device's internal space utilization and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If waterproof tape is placed around the camera hole to create a waterproof structure, then waterproof performance is improved, but mounting space is required which limits device miniaturization
Solution Approach 1:
The waterproof function is merged with the camera housing structure itself. The housing includes integrated sealing features such as annular protrusions that form sealing surfaces directly with the barrel structure, eliminating the need for separate waterproof tape and its mounting space. The housing structure and waterproofing function are combined into a single integrated component.
Solution Approach 2:
The waterproof tape and its mounting space are extracted/removed from the system. Instead of using separate waterproof tape components, the patent achieves waterproofing through the integrated housing structure with built-in sealing mechanisms, completely eliminating the need for additional mounting space.
2Reliability
If waterproof tape is used to seal the camera hole, then waterproof performance is improved, but the structure becomes unreliable when adhesive wears off
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive-based mechanical bonding system is replaced with a structural mechanical sealing system. Instead of relying on adhesive tape to seal the camera hole, the patent uses precision-machined sealing surfaces, annular protrusions, and compression mechanisms that create a mechanical seal through direct contact and compression forces, which are far more durable and reliable.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure provides its own waterproofing capability through integrated sealing features. The annular protrusions and sealing surfaces are built-in to the housing itself, eliminating the need for separate waterproof components and their adhesives. The structure serves its own waterproofing needs through its inherent design.
3Reliability
If a camera housing structure with protrusions is used to compress the barrel structure, then waterproof performance and space utilization are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing structure is segmented into functional zones with specific features such as annular protrusions at defined positions. These segmented features allow for modular manufacturing and assembly, where each protrusion and sealing surface can be precisely formed and positioned, facilitating standardized production processes despite the increased structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device according to the present disclosure may include: a housing including a substantially transparent plate that includes a first surface facing in a first direction, and a second surface facing in a second direction; a display exposed in the first direction; and a camera device exposed in the first direction. The camera device may include: a barrel structure including a side wall defining a space therein and an opening facing the first direction and a camera housing structure including a side portion surrounding at least a portion of the side wall of the barrel structure and an upper portion facing the first direction. The camera housing structure may include a first protrusion formed on the upper portion. The present disclosure implements a waterproof/dustproof structure for capping at least a portion of the camera device.