Fluid Deflector With Curved Surfaces For Water Impact Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic devices face damage from high-velocity water entry through ports, which can impact internal components despite being designed to withstand static water pressure, during activities like diving or swimming strokes.
Innovation Solution
A water deflector is integrated into the device's housing, extending the length and width of ports with openings aligned outside the port perimeter, featuring a peak and curved deflector surfaces that redirect incoming water energy, creating turbulence and reducing kinetic energy before it reaches internal components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If ports are provided for fluid communication between internal volume and external environment, then air can pass through for device functionality, but high-velocity water can enter and damage internal components
Solution Approach 1:
A water deflector is introduced as an intermediary component between the port and internal components. The deflector includes a deflector surface with a peak that redirects incoming water flow away from internal components while allowing air to pass through openings in the deflector body, thus mediating between the need for air flow and protection from water impact
Solution Approach 2:
The deflector body is segmented with multiple openings distributed across its surface. These openings allow air to pass through while the overall structure intercepts and redirects water flow, segmenting the flow paths for different fluids (air versus water) to achieve selective permeability
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a solid barrier is placed at the port to block water, then water impact is prevented, but air flow is blocked and device functionality is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector structure exhibits local quality variations: the deflector surface with peak provides water interception and redirection, while openings in the deflector body provide air passage. Different regions of the deflector serve different functions (water blocking versus air flow), allowing simultaneous protection and functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The deflector body functions as a porous structure with distributed openings that allow air to pass through while maintaining overall structural integrity for water interception. The porosity enables selective fluid passage based on flow characteristics and pressure differentials
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the deflector structure extends beyond the port perimeter, then water interception area is increased, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it intercepts water flow, redirects water away from internal components, allows air to pass through openings, and can be integrated with the housing or electronic components. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate protection mechanisms, offsetting the added structural complexity
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 water deflector effectively reduces the impact of high-energy water on internal components, preventing direct engagement and ensuring the device's functionality even in water exposure scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
featuring a peak and curved deflector surfaces that redirect incoming water energy, creating turbulence and reducing kinetic energy
Data Source
AI summary
In at least one example of the present disclosure, a portable electronic device includes a housing, an internal volume within the housing, a port having a perimeter defined by the housing, the port in fluid communication with the internal volume and an external environment, a water deflector disposed inside the housing adjacent to the port, the water deflector extending at least a length and a width of the port, and openings disposed in the water deflector. The openings in the water deflector are aligned outside of the perimeter of the port.