Double-Conical Force Element for Buckling-Based Impact Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional force elements in electronic devices apply excessive force during installation and use, leading to component damage and failure, as they fail to adequately limit forces applied to sensitive components.
Innovation Solution
A force element with a double-conical structure, comprising an outer and inner ring with corresponding walls, designed to absorb and distribute compressive forces, allowing for buckling across a greater range of forces, thereby protecting sensitive components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional force elements are used to support components, then structural support is provided, but excessive force is applied to sensitive components causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The force element is divided into multiple structural segments including an outer ring, inner ring, outer wall, inner wall, and central platform. This segmentation allows different portions to perform specialized functions: the outer wall and inner wall can buckle at different force levels to progressively absorb energy, while the central platform provides a stable mounting surface. The segmented structure enables the force element to limit forces more effectively than conventional single-structure elements.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid support structure is used, then structural stability is maintained, but force absorption and impact protection are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The force element incorporates dynamic buckling characteristics through its outer wall and inner wall geometry. When subjected to excessive force or impact, these walls are designed to buckle at specific force thresholds, allowing the structure to dynamically adapt to loading conditions. This dynamic behavior enables the force element to absorb impact energy while maintaining structural stability under normal operating conditions, resolving the contradiction between rigidity and impact protection.
3Device complexity
If conventional force elements are used, then simple structure is maintained, but force distribution and component protection are inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The force element merges multiple functional features into a single integrated component. The outer ring, inner ring, outer wall, inner wall, and central platform are combined into one unit that simultaneously provides force distribution, impact absorption, and component support. This merging approach achieves superior force distribution capabilities without requiring multiple separate components, thus maintaining relative structural simplicity while improving protection.
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 force element effectively limits and absorbs forces applied to components, providing improved impact protection and preventing damage by translating compressive forces and buckling within a defined range, exceeding the capabilities of conventional force elements.
Implementation Method 1
designed to absorb and distribute compressive forces, allowing for buckling across a greater range of forces
Implementation Method 2
allowing for buckling across a greater range of forces, thereby protecting sensitive components
Implementation Method 3
The force element effectively limits and absorbs forces applied to components, providing improved impact protection and preventing damage by translating compressive forces and buckling within a defined range
Data Source
AI summary
Various implementations include force elements for electronic devices. In some aspects, a force element includes: an outer ring surrounding a central axis and having a first diameter; an inner ring surrounding the central axis and having a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter; an outer wall connecting a radially inner portion of the outer ring with a radially outer portion of the inner ring; an inner wall extending from a radially inner portion of the inner ring and located radially inboard of the outer wall; and a central platform extending from the inner wall around the central axis.