Display Frame Compression Seal for Handheld Terminal Housing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Handheld computer terminals with non-clamshell housings face inferior sealing performance at the display-housing joint, leading to potential damage from water, dirt, and debris ingress, which can cause electrical shorts and corrosion.
Innovation Solution
The use of a display boot and display frame assembly, where the display boot mates with the display and the display frame compresses the boot and display between itself and the housing, creating a strong seal through fastening holes and recessed/non-recessed portions, to prevent pollutant ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a non-clamshell housing structure is used, then the housing design is simpler and more integrated, but the sealing performance at the display-housing joint deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into front and back pieces that can be separately assembled, allowing the display to be compressed between them during assembly. This segmentation enables the display assembly process while maintaining integrated housing benefits, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and sealing performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The display boot is inserted into the display assembly, creating a nested structure where the boot provides sealing while being contained within the display housing. This nesting approach allows the display to be compressed and sealed effectively without requiring complex external sealing mechanisms.
2Reliability
If the display is compressed between front and back housing pieces, then sealing performance improves, but the assembly process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The display boot is pre-assembled with the display before insertion into the housing. This preliminary assembly ensures proper positioning and sealing configuration, making the subsequent compression and assembly process more straightforward and reducing overall assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The display boot acts as an intermediary component between the display and the housing structure. It facilitates the compression and sealing process by providing a compliant sealing element that can be easily compressed and positioned, simplifying the overall assembly procedure while maintaining high sealing performance.
3Reliability
If the display boot overhangs the display frame, then sealing effectiveness improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The display boot is designed with different properties in different regions: it has a compliant sealing portion that can deform to accommodate positioning variations, and a structured overhanging portion that provides the sealing barrier. This local differentiation allows effective sealing without requiring high precision throughout the entire component.
Solution Approach 2:
The display boot material and geometry are designed to allow controlled deformation under compression. The boot can change its shape and positioning parameters during assembly to accommodate manufacturing tolerances, maintaining sealing effectiveness without requiring extremely precise manufacturing.
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 provides a superior seal to non-clamshell designs, reducing the risk of damage from external pollutants and ensuring reliable operation of handheld computer terminals.
Implementation Method 1
compress the display and the display boot between the display frame and the housing
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for sealing a joint between a display and a housing of a hand held computer terminal is provided. The apparatus comprises a display frame. The display frame comprises display a front, a display back, and display sides. The front of the display frame comprises a recessed portion and a non-recessed portion. The recessed portion is configured to accept insertion of the display. The non-recessed portion defines at least a portion of the perimeter of the recessed portion. Fastening holes can be positioned outside the perimeter of the recessed portion. The display frame is configured to tighten to the housing and to compress the display between the display frame and the housing. The method comprises providing a display frame, assembling a display assembly, inserting the display assembly into the housing, and compressing the display between the display frame and the housing.