Electronic Apparatus Seal Construction at Matching Section
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic apparatuses, such as digital cameras, face challenges in achieving a drip-proof function due to the complexity and variability in seal performance caused by loop-like waterproof seals, which increase the number of parts and assembly time, and are prone to misalignment during assembly.
Innovation Solution
The electronic apparatus incorporates a seal member with a protruding portion at the matching section between external covers, reducing the need for seals at entire circumferences and simplifying the assembly process, while ensuring stable seal performance through a gap partially covered by a third external cover.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a loop-like waterproof seal is disposed at whole circumferences of a matching section, then drip-proof function is realized, but the size of the waterproof seal increases and requires a seal groove at whole circumferences
Solution Approach 1:
The waterproof seal is divided into multiple linear seal portions instead of a continuous loop. Each seal portion is disposed at a specific matching section where external covers abut, eliminating the need for a continuous loop seal around the entire circumference. This segmentation reduces the overall seal size and simplifies the seal groove requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of applying a uniform loop seal around the entire matching section, the invention places waterproof seals only at specific critical matching sections where external covers abut. This localized approach provides adequate drip-proof protection at critical points without requiring seals at all circumferences, thereby reducing complexity and size.
2Reliability
If a loop-like waterproof seal is used, then drip-proof function is achieved, but pasting-misalignment easily occurs and assembling man-hours increase
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous loop seal is segmented into multiple independent linear seal portions. Each portion can be independently installed at its designated matching section, eliminating the alignment issues that occur when trying to join the ends of a loop seal. This significantly reduces assembly time and improves positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of forming a closed loop seal that requires end-to-end alignment, the invention inverts the approach by using open linear seal portions that are disposed between specific abutting external covers. This inversion of the seal configuration eliminates the alignment problem inherent in loop seals.
3Reliability
If a loop-like waterproof seal is disposed at whole circumferences, then drip-proof function is realized, but variations in seal performance occur according to worker's skill level
Solution Approach 1:
The seal system is segmented into multiple independent linear portions positioned at specific matching sections. Each portion has defined boundaries determined by the abutting external covers, which automatically position the seals without requiring worker skill for alignment. This eliminates variations in seal performance based on worker expertise.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal portions are positioned and secured by the abutting external covers themselves, which act as natural positioning fixtures. The covers' geometry defines the exact location and orientation of each seal, making the sealing process self-aligning and independent of worker skill level, thereby ensuring consistent seal performance.
4Reliability
If loop-like waterproof seals are used, then drip-proof function is achieved, but the number of parts and assembling man-hours increase
Solution Approach 1:
The waterproof sealing system is segmented into multiple linear portions that are integrated with specific matching sections. This segmentation allows for more efficient assembly compared to installing a continuous loop seal, as each portion can be independently positioned and secured by the abutting covers, reducing the overall assembly time and improving productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic apparatus which is capable of reducing the number of parts and assembling man-hours of a seal construction of an matching section of external covers, and making seal performance stable while realizing downsizing of the apparatus. The electronic apparatus has a first external cover, a second external cover abutting to the first external cover through a matching section, a seal member disposed at the matching section, a gap disposed at the matching section on an external side of the electronic apparatus with respect to the seal member, and a third external cover fitted to the first external cover and the second external cover so as to partially cover the seal member. The seal member has, at a part of the gap partially covered by the third external cover, a protruding portion abutting to the third external cover to seal the part of the gap.