Ceramic Fiber Composite Watch Case for Antenna Signal Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic device housings face challenges in balancing properties such as strength, toughness, abrasion resistance, and electromagnetic shielding, with existing materials either excelling in some but not all aspects, and ceramic materials being costly to form and machine.
Innovation Solution
A composite housing structure incorporating a substrate with ceramic fibers arranged in a weave pattern embedded in a matrix material, overmolded with a polymer material, which can include an integrated antenna for improved signal transmission and reception with reduced interference, and features like apertures for visual access and attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If ceramic materials are used for housing, then strength and abrasion resistance are improved, but manufacturing cost and processing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite material consisting of ceramic fibers embedded in a polymer matrix. This composite provides the strength and abrasion resistance of ceramic materials while being more cost-effective to manufacture than solid ceramic housings. The ceramic fibers reinforce the polymer base material, creating a hybrid structure that balances performance and manufacturability.
2Strength
If metal housing is used, then strength and toughness are improved, but electromagnetic shielding increases which may interfere with antenna operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different material properties to different regions or aspects of the housing. The ceramic fiber composite provides strength and toughness locally where structural integrity is needed, while the overall composite structure maintains electromagnetic transparency where antenna signal transmission is required. This localized application of material properties resolves the contradiction between strength and electromagnetic interference.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If plastic housing is used, then electromagnetic transparency is improved, but strength, toughness, and abrasion resistance decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite material where ceramic fibers are embedded in a polymer matrix. The polymer base maintains electromagnetic transparency allowing antenna signals to pass through, while the ceramic fiber reinforcement provides the necessary strength, toughness, and abrasion resistance that plain plastic lacks. This composite structure simultaneously achieves both electromagnetic transparency and mechanical strength.
Data Source
AI summary
A composite housing of an electronic device can include a substrate having a shape that partially defines an internal volume of the electronic device and includes ceramic fibers arranged in a weave pattern and embedded in a matrix material. The composite housing can also include an overmold material at least partially surrounding the substrate and an antenna integrated into the overmold material.