Flexible Bar Shock Absorber for Electronic Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mechanical shock protection in electronic devices lacks directional customization and is complex and costly due to the need for precise placement and pre-compression of elastomeric pads or grommets.
Innovation Solution
The use of flexible bars with varying shapes and sway spaces that allow for customizable shock absorption in different dimensions, providing both structural stability and simplified assembly by integrating into the enclosure and interior components without requiring screws or precise compression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional elastomeric pads or grommets are used for shock protection, then shock absorption is provided, but the ability to tailor shock absorption for forces from different directions is limited and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shock protection system is segmented into multiple flexible bars, each configured to absorb shock in specific directions. This segmentation allows tailored shock absorption for forces from different directions while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized components.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the enclosure are equipped with flexible bars having different configurations (e.g., different lengths, cross-sections, or material properties) to provide locally optimized shock absorption characteristics for specific directional forces, achieving adaptability without increasing overall device complexity.
2Reliability
If elastomeric pads or grommets are carefully placed and pre-compressed to fit particular surfaces, then effective shock protection is achieved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible bars are designed to automatically engage and provide shock protection without requiring careful manual placement or pre-compression during assembly. The bars self-adjust to fit the enclosure geometry, eliminating the need for skilled labor and reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining reliable shock protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible bars are pre-configured with specific geometries and attachment mechanisms during manufacturing that enable them to self-align and self-compress into the correct positions within the enclosure, eliminating the need for careful placement and pre-compression during final assembly.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple custom-shaped elastomeric parts are used to fit particular surfaces, then directional shock absorption is achieved, but the number of parts and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible bars are designed as universal components that can provide shock absorption in multiple directions through their geometric configuration and arrangement, eliminating the need for multiple custom-shaped parts. Each bar serves multiple functions including structural support and directional shock absorption.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple shock absorption functions for different directions are merged into a single flexible bar component through integrated design, reducing the total number of parts. The bar combines structural support, mounting, and multi-directional shock absorption capabilities in one element.
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
This solution enables tailored shock protection in multiple dimensions, reducing manufacturing complexity and costs while maintaining effective force absorption, allowing for meeting specific shock absorption specifications without the need for multiple custom components.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible bar includes a first portion configured to contact the interior component and a second portion configured to contact the enclosure. The flexible bar absorbs shock forces through elastic deformation, protecting the interior component from impacts in multiple dimensions.
Implementation Method 2
The flexible bar includes sway space that allows the flexible bar to move relative to the interior component and enclosure during shock events, absorbing kinetic energy and reducing impact forces.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes an enclosure and an interior component. A flexible bar protects the interior component from mechanical shock. The flexible bar includes at least one component support portion configured to contact the interior component, and at least one enclosure support portion configured to contact the enclosure. According to one aspect, a first shape protrudes from a first surface of the flexible bar and is configured to receive force applied by the enclosure in a first dimension, and a second shape protrudes from a second surface of the flexible bar and is configured to receive force applied by the enclosure in a second dimension. According to another aspect, a first shape protrudes from a first surface of the flexible bar and is configured to receive force applied by the enclosure and elastically deform before a remaining portion of the flexible bar outside the first shape elastically deforms.