Display Screen Suspension Subassembly for Shock Absorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Display screens in electronic devices, particularly mobile devices, are vulnerable to damage from mechanical shock, vibration, and pressure due to their portable nature and susceptibility to stress from other components, leading to potential damage during drops or from user interaction.

Innovation Solution

A shock-absorbing subassembly is positioned between the display screen and the printed circuit board, comprising a rigid first member affixed to the PCB and a second member with a flexible inner portion made of rubber or silicone, which acts as a cushion to absorb mechanical tolerances and shocks, reducing stress on the display screen.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the display screen is directly secured to the printed circuit board using rigid adhesives, clips or screws, then the structural stability is improved, but the display screen becomes vulnerable to damage from mechanical shock, vibration, and pressure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoiddamage resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a flexible suspension subassembly comprising a rigid support member and a flexible cushioning member that acts as a compliant interface between the display screen and printed circuit board. The flexible cushioning member absorbs mechanical shock and vibration while maintaining structural stability, resolving the contradiction between rigid support and shock protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The suspension subassembly is positioned between the display screen and printed circuit board to provide beforehand cushioning against mechanical shock, vibration, and pressure. This pre-positioned cushioning structure prevents damage before it occurs, rather than reacting to damage after it happens.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Strength

If rigid support structures are used to secure the display screen, then the mechanical strength is improved, but the structure cannot absorb mechanical tolerances and shocks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidtolerance absorption
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The suspension subassembly employs a composite structure combining a rigid support member (providing mechanical strength) with a flexible cushioning member made of elastomeric material (providing tolerance absorption). This composite design allows the structure to simultaneously provide both strength and adaptability to mechanical variations and shocks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible cushioning member introduces dynamic compliance to the otherwise rigid support structure. It allows the suspension subassembly to adapt to mechanical tolerances and absorb shocks through elastic deformation, transforming a static rigid structure into a dynamic system that can respond to varying mechanical conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If additional fasteners are used to secure the display screen, then the structural stability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The suspension subassembly merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: it provides structural support, shock absorption, vibration damping, and positional alignment all through one subassembly unit. This eliminates the need for separate fasteners and cushioning elements, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining structural stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 subassembly effectively cushions the display screen, reducing the risk of damage from impacts, vibrations, and pressure, while maintaining electrical connectivity and supporting the screen without the need for additional fasteners, thus protecting both the screen and the PCB.

Implementation Method 1

a flexible inner portion interposed between the outer portion and the first member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the flexible inner portion of the second member comprises rubber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectViscoelasticity: Viscoelasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2515160B1Suspension and tolerance absorption subassembly for a display screen
Publication Date: 2017.06.21 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2515160B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2515160B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2515160B1 patent drawingFigure 5-1

AI summary

A display screen of an electronic device may be supported by one or more subassemblies positioned between the display screen and a printed circuit board to which the display screen is secured. Each subassembly is able to act as an independent suspension for the display screen and is able to cushion the display screen by absorbing mechanical tolerances and mechanical shock and vibration. The subassemblies may be mounted on the printed circuit board using surface mount technology.