Conductive Film Pathways for Sealed Device Interfaces
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic devices face degradation and water intrusion issues due to openings for input/output ports and sensors, which compromise their robustness and cosmetic appearance when exposed to harsh environments.
Innovation Solution
The use of electrically conductive thin film coatings to create pathways through sealed interfaces between housing components, allowing signal and power transmission without compromising water resistance, using materials like glass, sapphire, or ceramic substrates that are less prone to deformation and interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional openings for input/output ports and sensors are used, then signal and power transmission is enabled, but water resistance and device robustness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical openings with optical pathways through the display assembly. Light and electrical signals are transmitted through the display layers without creating physical openings that would compromise water resistance. This substitution of mechanical transmission paths with optical and electromagnetic transmission resolves the contradiction between maintaining sealed housing and enabling signal transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The display assembly itself serves as an intermediary medium that allows signal and power transmission while maintaining the sealed housing structure. The conductive layers and optical paths within the display assembly enable communication between internal and external components without requiring openings in the housing, thus preventing liquid ingress while enabling functionality.
2Reliability
If traditional openings for input/output ports and sensors are used, then signal transmission is enabled, but cosmetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of signal transmission, power transmission, and display into a single integrated display assembly. The conductive layers and optical pathways are incorporated within the display structure itself, eliminating the need for separate openings that would compromise cosmetic appearance. This integration allows signal transmission while maintaining a clean, sealed exterior surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The display assembly performs multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as the visual display interface, the signal transmission pathway, the power transmission pathway, and the sealed barrier against environmental factors. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated openings for each function, thereby preserving cosmetic appearance while enabling comprehensive signal and power transmission.
3Reliability
If sealed interfaces are used to prevent liquid ingress, then water resistance improves, but signal and power transmission becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical signal transmission pathways that would require openings with optical and electromagnetic transmission through the sealed display assembly. Electrical contacts and optical fibers are integrated within the display layers, allowing signals to pass through the sealed interface without compromising water resistance. This substitution enables signal transmission while maintaining the integrity of the sealed housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional planar signal transmission through openings to three-dimensional signal pathways embedded within the layered structure of the display assembly. Conductive traces and optical pathways are routed through multiple layers of the display, enabling signal transmission through the sealed interface by utilizing the vertical dimension within the display thickness rather than requiring lateral openings in the housing.
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 solution enhances the robustness and water resistance of portable electronic devices by eliminating the need for traditional openings, reducing the risk of damage from liquids and debris while maintaining the device's cosmetic integrity through the use of durable and optically transparent conductive materials.
Implementation Method 1
electrically conductive material covering portions of both the interior-facing and exterior-facing surfaces of the sensor window and being electrically coupled to the sensor assembly
Implementation Method 2
a sensor assembly configured to transmit and receive light through a portion of the sensor window
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes a portable electronic device that includes a first housing component having an exterior-facing surface and an interior-facing surface; and a second housing component cooperating with the first housing component to define an interior volume. A seal fills an interface between the first and second housing components. Electrically conductive material that forms an electrically conductive pathway extends across portions of the interior and exterior-facing surfaces of the first housing component. The electrically conductive pathway is configured to transmit and/or receive signals or power between an exterior and interior of the portable electronic device.