Deformable Seal With Relief Volume For Electronic Device Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices face challenges in preventing the ingress of contaminants, such as liquids, at joints between exterior features, where traditional gaskets and O-rings often fail to maintain consistent pressure and accommodate variations in design, leading to potential damage from liquid ingress.
Innovation Solution
A deformable feature with a relief volume is used, which deforms to occupy a portion of its own cavity when a force is applied, maintaining a consistent cross-sectional area and accommodating variations in the joint, thereby forming an effective seal between parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rubber gasket is positioned between two exterior features to prevent ingress, then ingress prevention is improved, but the positioning consistency of the exterior features deteriorates due to bulging or inconsistent positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a deformable feature with a relief volume that allows the sealing material to deform and extend into the relief volume under compression, accommodating variations in exterior feature positioning while maintaining the seal. This flexible deformation mechanism prevents ingress without causing bulging or inconsistent positioning of the exterior features.
2Reliability
If a prefabricated O-ring or gasket is used to seal the joint, then ingress prevention is improved, but the ability to accommodate design variations deteriorates due to fixed shape and size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a deformable feature that dynamically adapts its shape and volume under compression. The relief volume allows the sealing material to extend and deform according to the specific gap and variations in the exterior features, providing adaptability to design variations while maintaining effective ingress prevention.
3Stability of the object's composition
If consistent pressure is applied around the perimeter of the gasket, then positioning consistency is improved, but the ability to accommodate variations in exterior features deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates local variations in the sealing structure through the relief volume, which allows different regions of the deformable feature to deform to different extents based on local compression needs. This local quality variation enables accommodation of exterior feature variations while maintaining overall positioning consistency through controlled deformation in specific areas.
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 deformable feature effectively prevents ingress of contaminants by maintaining a consistent seal and accommodating design variations, ensuring the parts remain co-planar and resistant to compression, even under varying forces and tolerances.
Implementation Method 1
In response to a force applied to the deformable feature from the first part securing with the second part, a portion of the deformable feature deforms and occupies a portion of the relief volume
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device that includes a deformable feature designed to seal two or more parts of the electronic device is disclosed. The deformable feature may be designed to deform, in response to a force applied to the deformable feature, with little or no compression. The deformable feature may include a cavity or relief volume extending along the deformable feature to define a space or void in the deformable feature. In response to a force, the deformable feature may deform such that a material (or materials) defining the deformable feature occupies or extends into the space or void, or in a location previously occupied by the space or void. The deformable feature may provide a protective seal between two or more parts that prevents ingress of contaminants, such as a liquid.