Dual-Conical Force Element for Protecting Sensitive Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional force elements in electronic devices apply excessive force to sensitive components during installation and use, leading to potential damage and failure.
Innovation Solution
A force element with a dual-conical structure, comprising an inner and outer ring with corresponding walls, is designed to limit and absorb forces by translating compressive forces between the walls, allowing for buckling at a higher force level while maintaining a compact geometry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional force elements are used, then the structure is simple, but the force applied to components is excessive causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The force element is segmented into multiple walls (first wall, second wall, third wall, fourth wall) arranged in a circular pattern. This segmentation allows the force to be distributed across multiple structural elements rather than concentrated in a single wall, reducing the force applied to any single component while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The force element transitions from a conventional single-wall structure to a multi-dimensional circular arrangement with multiple walls extending in different directions. This dimensional change allows the structure to absorb and distribute forces from multiple directions simultaneously, preventing excessive force concentration on any single component.
2Force
If a single-wall force element is used, then the structure is compact, but the force absorption capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple walls are merged into a single integrated force element structure that shares common base and support features. The first, second, third, and fourth walls are combined in a circular arrangement, allowing the structure to absorb forces from multiple directions simultaneously while maintaining a compact single-component form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-wall force element structure serves multiple functions: it absorbs forces from different directions, provides structural support, and protects components from excessive force. This universal design replaces the need for multiple separate force absorption mechanisms, achieving enhanced force capability without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Strength
If conventional force elements apply high force, then structural support is adequate, but component damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
Each wall in the circular arrangement provides localized structural support with appropriate strength characteristics. The distributed wall structure ensures that strong support is provided where needed while preventing excessive force transmission to sensitive components, achieving local optimization of strength without causing harm.
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 dual-conical force element effectively protects sensitive components by absorbing greater forces over a wider range, reducing the risk of damage and failure compared to conventional elements.
Implementation Method 1
the inner wall translates a compressive force applied to the force element to the outer wall as the inner wall reaches a vertical compression limit
Implementation Method 2
the force element has a spring constant of: approximately 20-90 N/millimeter (mm) from a resting state up to a buckling point
Implementation Method 3
at least one of the inner wall or the outer wall buckles in response to a compressive force of approximately 30 Newtons (N) to approximately 230 N
Data Source
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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.