Handheld Device Enclosure Modular Housing Subassembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern handheld electronic devices face challenges in integrating multiple subsystems such as touch-sensitive displays, wireless communications, and cameras into a compact and reliable form that can withstand daily use, while providing a wide range of functionalities.

Innovation Solution

The design includes a mobile phone with a specific enclosure structure featuring a front cover assembly, rear cover assembly, and a housing subassembly with a camera array and battery placement, along with a charging coil for wireless charging, utilizing materials like aluminum and titanium alloys for durability and a biometric sensing system for user authentication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple subsystems (touch-sensitive display, wireless communication, camera) are integrated into a compact device, then device functionality and versatility are improved, but device complexity and difficulty of integration increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidintegration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into distinct modular components including a front cover assembly, rear cover assembly, and housing subassembly with separate functional modules (camera array, battery, display, wireless communication systems). Each subsystem is independently designed and then integrated, managing complexity through modular architecture while maintaining versatile functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Volume of moving object

If a compact form factor is achieved, then portability is improved, but space for subsystem integration deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidsubsystem integration
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The camera array implements a three-dimensional configuration with cameras extending through the lower chassis section at different depths and angles. This spatial arrangement allows multiple camera functions to be integrated in a compact volume by utilizing the third dimension rather than spreading components horizontally, achieving both compact form factor and comprehensive subsystem integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

Components are nested within the housing structure with the camera array positioned in an interior cavity defined between the lower chassis section and front cover assembly. The battery and other subsystems are arranged in nested configurations within available spaces, maximizing component density while maintaining compact overall device dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Strength

If durable materials (aluminum and titanium alloys) are used, then device strength and reliability are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice durabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The housing subassembly combines aluminum and titanium alloys in a composite construction, with the lower chassis section extending between aluminum housing components. This composite material approach provides enhanced strength and durability while managing manufacturing complexity through established metal fabrication and joining techniques.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

4Adaptability or versatility

If camera array extends through lower chassis section, then camera functionality and depth control are improved, but structural integrity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecamera functionalityVSAvoidstructural integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

A camera bracket serves as an intermediary structural element, configured to engage with an alignment feature on the lower chassis section. This bracket provides a dedicated mounting structure for the camera array, allowing cameras to extend through the chassis while maintaining structural integrity through proper mechanical support and alignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This configuration enhances the device's durability and functionality by allowing for a compact integration of various subsystems, improved user interaction through biometric sensing, and efficient wireless charging, addressing the technical challenges of daily use and versatility.

Implementation Method 1

a charging coil positioned between the rear cover and the second side of the lower chassis section, the charging coil configured to wirelessly couple to a charging accessory to receive power for the mobile phone

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4407965A1Handheld electronic device
Publication Date: 2024.07.31 APPLE INC
  • EP4407965A1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4407965A1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4407965A1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

A mobile phone may include an enclosure including a front cover assembly defining a front exterior surface of the enclosure, a rear cover assembly defining a rear exterior surface of the enclosure, and a housing subassembly positioned between the front cover assembly and the rear cover assembly. The housing subassembly may include a first housing component defining a first side exterior surface of the enclosure, a second housing component defining a second side exterior surface of the enclosure opposite the first side exterior surface of the enclosure, and a lower chassis section extending between the first housing component and the second housing component. The mobile phone may further include a camera array coupled to the lower chassis section and positioned in an interior cavity defined between the lower chassis section and the front cover assembly.