Glass Cover Insert Molding for Gapless Portable Device Enclosures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for securing cover windows in portable electronic devices impede the usage of peripheral areas, and as devices become smaller and thinner, there is a need for improved techniques to support and secure these components effectively.
Innovation Solution
A glass cover is secured with an adhesive to a peripheral structure that is molded adjacent to the glass cover, forming a gapless interface, with inner and outer peripheral structures providing support and protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional methods are used to secure cover windows to housing, then the cover window is supported and protected, but the peripheral area usage is impeded
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into separate components: a cover window and a peripheral structure that is molded around it. This segmentation allows the peripheral structure to be formed independently while providing support, eliminating the need for conventional securing methods that block peripheral access.
Solution Approach 2:
The peripheral structure is molded around and nested with the cover window, creating an integrated assembly where the peripheral structure conforms to the cover window's periphery. This nesting approach provides structural support while maintaining access to peripheral areas.
2Volume of moving object
If devices are made smaller and thinner, then portability is improved, but the structural support for cover windows becomes more difficult to provide
Solution Approach 1:
The peripheral structure functions as a thin, flexible support element that is molded around the cover window. This thin structure provides necessary structural support and protection while maintaining the overall thinness and compactness of the portable electronic device.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing assembly combines different materials - the cover window material and the peripheral structure material - to create a composite structure that provides enhanced strength and support in a thin profile, enabling smaller device dimensions without compromising structural integrity.
3Strength
If a gapless interface is formed between peripheral structure and glass cover, then structural integrity is enhanced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The peripheral structure is molded around the cover window in a preliminary forming operation, establishing the gapless interface during the molding process itself. This preliminary action ensures proper alignment and contact between surfaces before final assembly, reducing the need for high-precision post-processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The molding process combines the formation of the peripheral structure with its attachment to the cover window, creating an integrated assembly with a gapless interface. This merging of operations ensures that the interface between components is continuous and structurally sound.
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 solution ensures a strong, thin enclosure for electronic devices with a gapless interface, enhancing structural integrity and impact resistance while maintaining a sleek design.
Implementation Method 1
The peripheral structure can be secured adjacent to the glass cover with an adhesive
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device having an enclosure formed from at least one glass cover and a peripheral structure formed adjacent the periphery of the glass cover is disclosed. The peripheral structure can be secured adjacent to the glass cover with an adhesive. The peripheral structure can be molded adjacent the glass cover so that a gapless interface is formed between the peripheral structure and the periphery of the glass cover. In one embodiment, the peripheral structure includes at least an inner peripheral structure and an outer peripheral structure.