Waterproof Structure With Capillary Vapor Drainage for Electronics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing waterproof structures for electronic devices face challenges in balancing cost, structural space, and waterproof performance, as well as being inconvenient to process and reuse.

Innovation Solution

A waterproof structure with a base body featuring a water absorbing part and a liquid storing part that allows water vapor to enter and be discharged externally when a preset volume is reached, utilizing capillary action and membrane layers to facilitate repetitive cycles without occupying excessive space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a waterproof structure is additionally arranged in an electronic device to implement waterproof performance, then waterproof performance is improved, but device complexity and structural space increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaterproof performanceVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple waterproofing functions into a single integrated waterproof structure that includes a waterproof layer, water absorbing layer, and liquid storing layer arranged in sequence. This merged structure prevents water from entering the electronic device while absorbing and storing water vapor, thereby improving waterproof performance without proportionally increasing structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The waterproof structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: the waterproof layer blocks liquid water, the water absorbing layer captures water vapor through capillary action, and the liquid storing layer accumulates absorbed water. This multi-functional design achieves comprehensive waterproof protection while optimizing space utilization within the electronic device

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If traditional waterproof structures are used, then waterproof performance is achieved, but manufacturing difficulty and processing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaterproof performanceVSAvoidprocessing ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs thin film structures for the waterproof layer, water absorbing layer, and liquid storing layer. These flexible thin films can be easily manufactured using coating or lamination processes, reducing manufacturing difficulty while maintaining effective waterproof performance. The thin film design allows for simple integration into the electronic device structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If water absorbing materials are used to prevent water ingress, then waterproof performance is improved, but the materials occupy excessive structural space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaterproof performanceVSAvoidspace occupation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a nested layer structure where the water absorbing layer and liquid storing layer are positioned between the waterproof layer and the electronic device components. This nested arrangement allows the water absorbing materials to be integrated within the existing device structure rather than adding external bulk, thereby reducing space occupation while maintaining waterproof effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 structure effectively manages water vapor and liquid ingress, enabling repetitive use with minimal space and cost, ensuring reliable waterproofing through capillary action and easy processing.

Implementation Method 1

a water absorbing part located on an edge and communicating with the liquid storing part. The waterproof structure is configured to allow water vapor to enter into the liquid storing part through the water absorbing part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Data Source

PatentEP4336304B1Waterproof structure, electronic device and manufacturing method of waterproof structure
Publication Date: 2026.04.01 BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO LTD
  • EP4336304B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4336304B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4336304B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The disclosure relates to the field of waterproofing of electronic devices. The disclosure relates to a waterproof structure, an electronic device and a manufacturing method of a waterproof structure. The waterproof structure includes a base body (1) and a liquid storing part (2) arranged on the base body (1) in a protruding mode, and the base body (1) has a water absorbing part located at an edge and communicating with the liquid storing part (2). The waterproof structure is configured to allow water vapor to enter into the liquid storing part (2) through the water absorbing part, and be centrally discharged to the outside when a water volume in the liquid storing part (2) reaches a preset value.