Foldable Electronic Apparatus Cable Sealing at Hinges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluids entering the housing of foldable electronic devices through gaps in hinge structures can damage embedded electronic components.
Innovation Solution
An electronic apparatus design featuring a first and second housing with passage members, a hinge structure, and elastic members with grooves and bonding agents to secure and seal a cable member, preventing fluid ingress and minimizing impact on the cable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a passage member is provided for the cable to pass through the hinge structure, then the cable can be electrically connected between housings, but foreign substances can enter the housing through the passage
Solution Approach 1:
An elastic member is introduced as an intermediary substance between the passage member and the cable. This elastic member fills the gap between the cable surface and the passage member inner wall, preventing foreign substances from entering through the passage while allowing the cable to pass through for electrical connection between housings.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member acts as a flexible sealing element that conforms to the cable surface and passage member geometry. This flexible membrane structure creates an effective seal around the cable, blocking foreign substance ingress while maintaining cable flexibility and electrical connectivity through the hinge structure.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the passage member is rigid to provide structural support, then the housing structure is stable, but the cable is more likely to be damaged by external impact
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member is positioned in advance within the passage member to provide cushioning protection for the cable. When external impact occurs, the elastic member absorbs and dissipates the shock energy before it reaches the cable, preventing cable damage while the rigid passage member maintains housing structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The passage member structure combines rigid and elastic materials to create a composite system. The rigid passage member provides structural support and stability, while the embedded elastic member provides shock absorption and cable protection, achieving both structural stability and cable durability simultaneously.
3Ease of manufacture
If the elastic member is made loose to allow cable movement, then the cable installation is easy, but the cable is not securely fixed and may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member provides dynamic fixation that adapts to cable installation and operation. During installation, the elastic member allows cable movement and positioning through its elasticity. During operation, the elastic member maintains secure fixation by conforming to the cable surface, preventing cable damage while preserving installation ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member's physical parameters (such as hardness, elasticity, and dimensional tolerance) are optimized to balance fixation strength and installation ease. By carefully controlling the elastic member's material parameters and geometric dimensions, the system achieves both easy cable installation and secure cable fixation simultaneously.
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
Effectively prevents foreign substances from entering the housings, securing the cable, and enhancing durability by sealing gaps and absorbing shocks.
Implementation Method 1
a bonding member filled between the cable member and the elastic member in the hollow region
Implementation Method 2
an elastic member comprising a hollow region in which the cable member is provided
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic apparatus includes a first housing configured to accommodate a first circuit and a first passage member for retracting a cable member, a second housing configured to accommodate a second circuit and a second passage member for retracting the cable member into the housing, a hinge structure provided between the first housing and the second housing and configured to rotatably connect the first housing and the second housing, a flexible display supported by the first housing and the second housing, and a cable member electrically connecting the first circuit and the second circuit via the first passage member, the hinge structure, and the second passage. At least one of the first passage member and the second passage member includes an elastic member including a hollow region penetrated by the cable member, and a bonding member filling between the cable member and the elastic member in the hollow region.