Multi-Purpose Cowling and Flex-Mounted Compass for EMI Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic devices face design constraints due to the need for increased features, power, and battery life, leading to compact component packaging that can result in electrical or magnetic interference, which affects device performance.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of multi-purpose cowling structures that provide electromagnetic interference shielding, secure connectors, and mount a compass on a flexible printed circuit board to minimize spacing impact and maximize functional utility, while preventing disconnects and interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If components are compressed into compact packaging to meet design constraints, then device weight and volume are reduced, but electrical or magnetic interference occurs affecting device performance
Solution Approach 1:
An electromagnetic interference shield is introduced as an intermediary component between the compass and ferrous objects. The shield physically separates these components while maintaining electrical connections through the flex circuit, thereby blocking magnetic interference from reaching the compass and resolving the contradiction between compact packaging and interference prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The device is segmented into functionally separated zones: the compass is mounted on a flex circuit that positions it away from ferrous objects, while the electromagnetic shield creates an additional spatial separation. This segmentation allows compact overall device volume while maintaining safe distances between interfering components
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the compass is mounted on a flexible printed circuit board to remote it from ferrous objects, then magnetic interference is reduced, but device assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flex circuit serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical connections for the compass, positions the compass away from ferrous objects to reduce magnetic interference, and acts as a mounting substrate. This multi-functionality reduces assembly complexity compared to using separate components for each function
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible printed circuit board is used instead of rigid mounting methods. The flex circuit can be bent and shaped to position the compass optimally away from ferrous objects while maintaining electrical connections, simplifying assembly compared to rigid structural modifications
3Adaptability or versatility
If multi-purpose cowling structures are implemented to provide shielding and secure connections, then functional utility is maximized, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cowling structure is designed to perform multiple functions: electromagnetic shielding, mechanical support for the flex circuit, and securing of board connectors through downward force. By consolidating these functions into a single component, the overall number of parts is reduced and assembly is simplified despite the increased complexity of the multi-functional component itself
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
The solution effectively alleviates design constraints and interference issues by ensuring stable component connections and accurate compass readings, enhancing device performance and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic interference shield may provide one or more anchors for enabling a logic board cowling to apply sufficient downward force
Data Source
AI summary
Multi-purpose cowling structures are provided to minimize spacing impact within an electronic device, while maximizing functional utility. In one embodiment, an electromagnetic interference shield may provide one or more anchors for enabling a logic board cowling to apply sufficient downward force to one or more board connectors to prevent inadvertent disconnects. In another embodiment, a cowling can electrically connect the ground plane of a logic board to the ground plane of a housing member and provide a pre-load force to a conductor connection existing on logic board. A compass mounted on a flexible printed circuit board is also provided. Mounting the compass on a flexible printed circuit board enables the compass to be mounted remote from ferrous object that may affect the compass's performance.