Flexible Gasket Waterproof Structure for Electronic Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices with waterproof structures can be damaged by high external pressures, leading to deterioration in sound quality and loss of functionality due to fluid ingress and inability to discharge foreign matter.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a waterproof structure featuring a flexible gasket that includes an outer rim, a recess portion, and a connection portion, allowing for elastic movement to prevent pressure transfer and facilitate the discharge of fluids, ensuring the integrity of audio modules and sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a waterproof structure is used to protect internal electronic components from external fluid, then protection from fluid ingress is improved, but the structure may breakage under high external pressure (3 atm or more)
Solution Approach 1:
The waterproof structure is divided into multiple functional elements: a rigid housing providing structural support, a flexible gasket providing sealing and pressure absorption, and separate ventilation pathways. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in one function, preventing the single structure from needing to simultaneously resist both fluid ingress and high pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible gasket is introduced as a thin film element between the housing and internal components. This flexible film can elastically deform under high external pressure to absorb the force, preventing pressure transmission to internal components while maintaining the waterproof seal. The flexibility allows the gasket to act as a pressure buffer without compromising the rigid housing structure.
2Reliability
If a sealed waterproof structure is used to prevent fluid ingress, then protection is improved, but fluid that has flowed into the device cannot escape
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible gasket serves as an intermediary element between the sealed housing and the external environment. This gasket can elastically deform to open temporary pathways for fluid discharge while maintaining the overall sealed structure. The intermediary nature of the gasket allows it to simultaneously provide sealing and controlled fluid escape paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The waterproof structure incorporates dynamic elements that can change state in response to pressure conditions. The flexible gasket transitions from a sealed state under normal conditions to an opened state under high pressure, allowing fluid discharge. This dynamic behavior enables the structure to adapt between waterproofing and fluid discharge functions based on environmental conditions.
3Reliability
If high external pressure is applied to the electronic device, then waterproofing is maintained, but internal components may be damaged due to pressure transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible gasket is positioned beforehand to absorb and cushion high external pressure before it can reach internal components. This pre-positioned cushioning element deforms under pressure to dissipate the force, protecting internal components from pressure damage while maintaining the waterproof seal integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible gasket acts as an intermediary barrier between the external high-pressure environment and internal components. It absorbs and redistributes the pressure force across its flexible structure, preventing concentrated pressure transmission to sensitive internal components while maintaining the sealed enclosure.
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 flexible gasket effectively prevents damage from high pressures and allows for the easy discharge of fluids, maintaining the functionality and sound quality of electronic device components.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible gasket. The flexible gasket includes an outer rim fixed between the support structure and a portion of the outer wall as to circumferentially surround the first through hole, a recess portion movably interposed between the first through hole and the second through hole... when an external pressure is applied, the recess portion may be elastically moved and positioned to be in contact with the peripheral portion of the second through hole
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B~3
Figure 4~5A
AI summary
An electronic device is disclosed including a housing including an outer wall, an inner, and a first through hole formed in the inner space, an audio module located in the inner space, a support structure located in the inner space between the audio module and the first through hole and including a second through hole; and a waterproof structure located in the inner space between the support structure and the outer wall including a flexible gasket. The gasket may include an outer rim, a recess portion moveable between the first through hole and the second through hole, and a connection portion between the rim and the recess portion, including at least one opening around the recess portion, such that the opening and the second through-hole form a sound path between the audio module and the first through-hole in the absence of pressure from an external liquid.