Cover Closure Detection in Waterproof Electronic Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices, especially those providing waterproofing functions, face malfunctions due to incomplete covering of battery, connector, or socket covers, which allows liquid ingress and is not easily detectable by users.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device equipped with a detection system that identifies incomplete covering of battery, connector, or socket covers by analyzing signal distortions and informs the user through visual, auditory, or tactile notifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the battery cover, connector cover, or socket cover is made compact to improve portability, then the device size is reduced, but the covering completeness becomes harder to verify by the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an automated detection system using sensors (such as optical sensors, capacitive sensors, or magnetic sensors) that automatically detect whether the cover is completely closed. The detection unit sends signals to the controller, which then provides appropriate feedback to the user, eliminating the need for users to manually verify cover closure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection system between the cover and the user. This intermediary system (comprising sensors, controllers, and notification mechanisms) acts as a mediator that translates the physical state of the cover into actionable information for the user, solving the problem of difficult verification in compact devices.
2Ease of manufacture
If the cover design is simplified to reduce manufacturing complexity, then manufacturing cost decreases, but the reliability of waterproofing function deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-verification system where the device automatically checks its own cover closure status using integrated sensors and controllers. The system provides self-diagnosis capability, notifying users when the cover is improperly closed, thereby maintaining waterproofing reliability without requiring complex manual verification procedures during manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms (visual, auditory, or tactile notifications) that inform users about the cover closure status. This feedback loop ensures that even with simplified cover designs, the waterproofing function remains reliable by alerting users to improper closure, allowing them to correct the issue before water damage occurs.
3Length of stationary object
If the cover is made thin to reduce device thickness, then the device becomes more portable, but the detection of incomplete covering becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical detection methods (which would be ineffective with thin covers) with electronic sensing technologies. Optical sensors, capacitive sensors, or magnetic sensors can detect the presence and position of thin covers through non-contact means, maintaining high detection accuracy regardless of cover thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in physical parameters (such as optical properties, capacitive values, or magnetic field characteristics) that occur when the cover is properly closed. By monitoring these parameter changes, the system can accurately detect cover closure status even when the cover is extremely thin, as the parameter changes remain detectable despite reduced material thickness.
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
Prevents liquid ingress and subsequent malfunctions by accurately detecting incomplete coverings and alerting users, ensuring proper closure and maintaining device functionality.
Implementation Method 1
determining whether the cover part is normally coupled to the electronic device based on an attribute of the received second signal
Data Source
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Figure 2B
AI summary
An electronic device, a control method thereof, and a computer-readable medium. The electronic device may include a main body and a cover part coupable to the main body and configured to be attached to and detached from the main body. The electronic device further includes a controller configured to control to output a first signal for determining a coupling state of the cover part with respect to the electronic device, receive a second signal corresponding to the first signal, and determine the coupling state of the cover part with respect to the electronic device based on attributes of the second signal.