Flexible Enclosure Rim for Display Stack Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices with displays face challenges in enhancing user experience due to issues related to display quality and assembly complexity, particularly in creating a secure and friction-reducing environment for the display stack within the enclosure.
Innovation Solution
The use of a display stack enclosure with a flexible portion that deforms during assembly to allow the display stack to be inserted, forming an interference fit and air gap, which reduces friction and allows for user input detection without complex moving parts or adhesives, while maintaining a secure and sealed environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid enclosure structure is used to secure the display stack, then structural strength and stability are improved, but friction increases and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a flexible rim made of elastomeric material that forms part of the enclosure structure. This flexible portion allows the display stack to be inserted with reduced friction while maintaining structural integrity. The flexible rim can deform during assembly and then return to its original shape to secure the display stack, resolving the contradiction between structural strength and ease of insertion.
2Reliability
If complex assembly mechanisms are used to secure the display stack, then reliability of securing is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible rim is designed to automatically secure the display stack through its elastic properties. When the display stack is inserted, the flexible rim deforms and then returns to its original shape, creating an interference fit that secures the display stack without requiring additional fasteners, adhesives, or complex assembly mechanisms. This self-service mechanism improves securing reliability while reducing assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the elastic properties of the flexible rim material, which changes its physical state during assembly. The material transitions from a deformed state during insertion to a recovered state that provides securing force. This parameter change (elastic deformation) enables reliable securing through a simple structure, avoiding complex assembly mechanisms.
3Strength
If adhesives or fasteners are used to secure the display stack, then securing strength is improved, but assembly complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible rim structure serves dual functions: it provides structural support and simultaneously secures the display stack through elastic deformation and recovery. This eliminates the need for separate adhesives or fasteners, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining securing strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the structural support function and the securing function into a single flexible rim component. This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple separate elements (adhesives, fasteners, and structural supports), simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs while maintaining the necessary securing strength.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the display stack is tightly fitted in the enclosure, then structural stability is improved, but friction increases and user input detection becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible rim creates a stable yet flexible interface between the enclosure and display stack. The elastomeric material allows for controlled deformation that maintains structural stability while enabling the display stack to move in response to user inputs. This flexibility facilitates touch detection without compromising structural integrity.
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 enhances user experience by reducing friction and allowing for seamless user input detection, while simplifying the assembly process and reducing costs by eliminating the need for complex assembly mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible portion formed from a flexible material that may deform, while in an assembled state, extends at least partially over the display stack
Implementation Method 2
the flexible portion may be configured to form an interference fit with the displays stack
Implementation Method 3
an air gap between the interior wall of the enclosure and the edge of the display stack to allow the display stack may move without friction
Data Source
AI summary
Describe herein are electronic devices that includes an enclosure having a flexible portion extending partially over the coverglass. In some instances, the flexible portion is configured to deform during assembly to allow the coverglass to be placed within the enclosure and to return to an original position once the assembly is complete. In other instances, the flexible portion may be configured to act as a bezel and to conceal any gap between an edge of the coverglass and a side wall of the enclosure from view.