Portable Device Glass Cover Support Structures for Drop Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic devices face misalignment of operational components, such as camera modules, due to the precise assembly process, leading to premature failure when subjected to drop events.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of support structures like back walls, trim structures, brace structures, and weld washers to secure operational components within the device's enclosure, maintaining alignment and minimizing damage from external loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If precision fit assembly is used for operational components, then manufacturing precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to susceptibility to misalignment during drop events
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating support structures (back walls, trim structures, brace structures, and weld washers) that are pre-installed to absorb and distribute impact forces before they reach the operational components. These structures create a protective buffer zone that prevents direct transmission of drop forces to the precision-fitted components, thereby maintaining alignment stability during shock events.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining multiple structural elements (metal back walls, trim structures, brace structures, and weld washers) that work together to provide both structural support and impact protection. This composite approach creates a multi-layered protection system that enhances reliability while preserving the precision fit of operational components.
2Reliability
If support structures are added to secure operational components, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by integrating multiple support functions into unified structural elements. The back walls, trim structures, brace structures, and weld washers are combined to form an integrated support system that secures operational components while maintaining a relatively simple overall device architecture. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components needed while achieving enhanced reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
According to some embodiments, a portable electronic device is described. The portable electronic device includes a housing member defining an external sidewall, a first glass cover and a second glass cover, where the second glass cover includes a first region having a first exterior surface, a second region having a second exterior surface vertically displaced from the first exterior surface, where the second region includes a first opening, a second opening, and a third opening, and a transition region having an exterior surface that extends between the first exterior surface to the second exterior surface. The portable electronic device further includes a first camera module disposed within the first opening, a second camera module disposed within the second opening, a strobe module disposed within the third opening, and a trim structure having an edge that overlays the second region of the second glass cover.