Electric Apparatus Case Sealing Structure for Waterproof Curved Covers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cases for electric apparatuses, such as storage battery devices, require both high waterproofness and improved designability, especially for outdoor installations.

Innovation Solution

A case design incorporating a case body with integrated ring-shaped seal surfaces, a cover body with curved portions, a waterproof frame, and a seal member that forms a continuous seal between the case and cover surfaces, enhancing both waterproofness and designability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a simple cover structure is used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but waterproofness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidwaterproofness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The waterproof frame is nested within the cover body structure, with the seal member positioned between the frame and case body. This nested arrangement integrates multiple waterproofing functions into a compact structure that maintains reliability while controlling manufacturing complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The seal member acts as an intermediary element between the waterproof frame and the case body, creating a reliable waterproof barrier. This intermediary component enables effective sealing without requiring complex integrated structures, thus balancing manufacturing ease with waterproofness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If a flat cover structure is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but designability and aesthetic appeal deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidaesthetic appeal

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The cover body incorporates curved portions with continuous surfaces that transition smoothly from flat to curved geometries. This application of curvature enhances aesthetic appeal and designability while maintaining manufacturability through standard forming processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Ease of manufacture

If the seal surface is positioned at the edge of the cover, then manufacturing is easier, but sealing effectiveness under pressure changes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing easeVSAvoidsealing effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The waterproof frame extends the seal surface from the edge toward the interior of the cover body, utilizing the depth dimension to create a more robust sealing arrangement. This dimensional extension ensures effective sealing under pressure changes while maintaining manufacturing feasibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS12463279B2Case for electric apparatus and electric apparatus device

Publication Date: 2025.11.04 KYOCERA CORP

AI summary

A case for an electric apparatus that accommodates an electric apparatus and an electric apparatus device, the case comprising a case body including a ring-shaped case seal surface, a cover body including a curved cover portion, a waterproof frame including a ring-shaped cover seal surface and disposed at the cover body, and a seal member disposed between the case seal surface and the cover seal surface.