Display Housing Assembly With Epoxy Gap Sealing Against Moisture

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Wearable electronic devices face challenges in balancing portability and performance due to the inclusion of multiple components, which can limit their functionality and durability, especially in harsh environments and conditions such as moisture exposure.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a housing with a tailored arrangement of components, including a display assembly and epoxy seals, to create a waterproof and compact structure that maintains performance while allowing for additional functionality without increasing undesirable properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple components are included to enhance functionality, then device performance is improved, but device portability and durability are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoiddevice durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements nesting by placing the display component within a cavity formed by the housing sidewall, and further nesting the epoxy seal within the gap between the display component and housing. This nested arrangement allows multiple functional components to be integrated in a compact manner, enhancing functionality while maintaining device portability and structural integrity for durability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Volume of moving object

If device size is reduced to enhance portability, then device portability is improved, but component performance is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidcomponent performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating a dedicated cavity within the housing sidewall specifically for the display component, and using epoxy material with specific sealing properties in the gap region. This localized optimization allows the display component to maintain its performance requirements while the overall device size is reduced for enhanced portability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of manufacture

If gaps are formed between housing and display component, then assembly flexibility is improved, but moisture resistance is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly flexibilityVSAvoidmoisture ingress

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an epoxy seal as an intermediary substance that fills the gap between the display component and housing sidewall. This epoxy mediator maintains the assembly flexibility provided by the gap while simultaneously preventing moisture ingress, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and moisture resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12193183B2Electronic device display and housing assembly

Publication Date: 2025.01.07 APPLE INC

AI summary

An electronic device includes a housing sidewall defining an opening and a display component, such as a display cover, disposed in the opening to form a gap between the housing sidewall and the display component. In at least one example, the cavity is defined by the sidewall and the display cover with the cavity in fluid communication with an external environment through the gap. In at least one example, an epoxy component at least partially defines the cavity and can be in direct contact with the housing sidewall.