Clad Metal Side Frame Welding for Durable Electronic Housings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices face challenges in combining aesthetic design with structural durability and electrical connectivity, particularly in forming side frames using various alloys, which require complex coupling processes.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device incorporates a frame structure with a clad metal composition, where an outer portion is made of a first metal and an inner portion is made of a second metal, connected by welding, and includes a support portion connected to the frame by welding, allowing for stable joining and reduced deformation or breakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If various alloys are used to form the side frame for aesthetic purposes, then the aesthetic appeal is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases due to requiring various coupling processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the aesthetic cladding layer with the structural support member into a single integrated frame structure. The cladding layer is coupled to the support member to form an integrated assembly, eliminating the need for separate coupling processes while maintaining both aesthetic appeal and structural integrity.
2Strength
If the side frame is formed using metal materials for durability and strength, then the structural integrity is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases due to requiring various coupling processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cladding layer and support member into an integrated structure where the cladding layer is coupled to the support member. This merging eliminates multiple coupling processes while maintaining the structural durability provided by the metal support member.
3Device complexity
If the frame is made from a single metal for simplicity, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the aesthetic appeal and design versatility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material construction with a cladding layer coupled to a support member. The cladding layer can be made from aesthetically pleasing materials while the support member provides structural strength, achieving both aesthetic appeal and manufacturing simplicity through the composite structure.
4Adaptability or versatility
If different metals are used in the clad structure for aesthetic purposes, then the design versatility is improved, but the welding complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite material construction where a cladding layer is coupled to a support member. This allows different metals to be combined for aesthetic purposes while the coupling structure manages the complexity of joining dissimilar metals through standardized interfaces.
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
This design enhances structural integrity, reduces antenna performance issues, and enables varied curvature implementations, while maintaining aesthetic appeal and functional connectivity.
Implementation Method 1
the outer portion and the inner portion that are joined together, wherein the support portion is connected to the corner portion and the side portion by welding
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device may include a frame defining at least a portion of a side surface of the electronic device, and a support portion on an inner side of the frame. The frame may include a corner portion defining a portion of the side surface and including a first metal, and a side portion defining another portion of the side surface and including a clad structure in which an outer portion including the first metal and an inner portion including a second metal are joined. The support portion may be connected to the corner portion and the side portion by welding.