Electronic Device Unit Waterproof Fixing Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic device units face challenges in achieving a novel waterproof structure, particularly in securing electronic components without compromising waterproofness and design aesthetics.

Innovation Solution

A box-shaped case with formed grooves and a fixing member system that connects through these grooves to securely attach electronic components, using a combination of case and component grooves with a fixing member that extends through both to ensure firm fixation and enhanced waterproofing without the need for screws.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a screw or traditional fastening method is used to fix the electronic component, then the fixation strength is improved, but the device complexity and visibility of components increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixation strengthVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing member integrates multiple functions into a single component: it has a fixing portion that engages with the case groove to secure the electronic component, and a sealing portion that engages with the opening groove to provide waterproofing. This merging eliminates the need for separate screws and gaskets, reducing structural complexity while maintaining fixation strength and waterproofness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If multiple separate components are used for fixation and waterproofing, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of manufacture decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaterproof reliabilityVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing member is designed as an integrated component where the fixing portion and sealing portion form a unified structure. This allows the electronic component to be fixed and waterproofed in a single assembly operation, eliminating the need to separately install screws and gaskets, thereby improving ease of manufacture while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing member automatically provides both fixation and waterproofing functions through its integrated structure. When the fixing member is installed, the fixing portion engages with the case groove to secure the component, while the sealing portion simultaneously engages with the opening groove to create a waterproof seal, enabling self-service without requiring additional assembly steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If traditional sealing methods are used, then the waterproofness is improved, but the design aesthetics and space utilization worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovewaterproofnessVSAvoiddesign aesthetics
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing member combines the sealing function with the fixation function in a single component that is concealed within the case structure. The sealing portion engages with the opening groove to provide waterproofing, while the overall compact design of the fixing member allows it to be hidden within the case, maintaining design aesthetics and space utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Volume of moving object

If a compact fixation method is used, then the space utilization is improved, but the fixation strength and waterproofing reliability may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidfixation and waterproofing reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing member is designed with an integrated structure where the fixing portion and sealing portion work together in a compact arrangement. The fixing portion engages with the case groove to provide secure fixation, while the sealing portion simultaneously engages with the opening groove to ensure waterproofing. This compact integrated design maintains both fixation strength and waterproofing reliability while optimizing space utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3817153B1Electronic device unit
Publication Date: 2022.03.09 TAMURA KK
  • EP3817153B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3817153B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3817153B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

When an inlet (80) is placed on an inlet placement portion (31), inlet grooves (86) of the inlet (80) and case grooves (35) for inlet of an upper case (20) are connected to form second connected spaces (120). The two second connected spaces (120) are formed by the two inlet grooves (86) and the two case grooves (35) for inlet being thus connected. Then, second fixing pin insertion portions (92) of a second fixing pin (90) are inserted into the second connected spaces (120). In this case, the two second fixing pin insertion portions (92) connected by the second fixing pin connecting portion (94) are inserted into the two second connected spaces (120). Consequently, the second fixing pin insertion portions (92) are disposed all through the case grooves (35) for inlet and the inlet grooves (86) which form the second connected spaces (120), thereby fixing the inlet (80) to the upper case (20).