Electronic Device Housing Interlocking Metal Non-Metal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic device housings made from metal, such as aluminum, can interfere with the transmission and reception of electromagnetic radio waves, and securing non-metal portions to metal housings can be challenging, leading to potential disengagement during drops or forces applied to the device.
Innovation Solution
The enclosure is designed with a first region of a rigid material in the interior portion and a second region of a cosmetic material in the exterior portion, with a protrusion extending through the first material and a means for interlocking the second material to the first material, allowing for the permeation of electromagnetic radio waves while maintaining structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a metal housing is used to provide structural integrity, then strength is improved, but electromagnetic radio wave transmission is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into metal portions and non-metal portions, allowing different regions to serve different functions. The metal portions provide structural strength while the non-metal portions allow EM wave transmission, resolving the contradiction between strength and EM wave permeability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the housing have different material properties tailored to their specific functions. The metal portions are located where structural support is needed, while non-metal portions are positioned where EM wave transmission is required, optimizing both strength and EM wave compatibility locally.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a non-metal portion is added to allow EM wave transmission, then EM wave permeability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential disengagement during drops
Solution Approach 1:
The non-metal portion is integrated with the metal housing through interlocking features such as recesses and protrusions. This merging of components ensures that the non-metal portion remains securely attached during drops and forces, preventing disengagement while maintaining EM wave transmission capability.
3Ease of manufacture
If adhesive is used to secure the non-metal portion, then ease of manufacture is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to adhesive appearing on the exterior surface
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive application process is eliminated by using mechanical interlocking features such as recesses and protrusions. This extraction of the adhesive step prevents adhesive from appearing on the exterior surface while still providing secure attachment, improving both surface quality and manufacturing precision.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the non-metal portion extends around the sidewall to provide cosmetic appearance, then adaptability is improved, but strength deteriorates due to void spaces that are vulnerable during drops
Solution Approach 1:
The housing uses a composite structure combining metal and non-metal materials. The metal portions provide structural strength and drop resistance, while the non-metal portions provide cosmetic appearance and adaptability. This composite approach allows the housing to achieve both aesthetic versatility and mechanical strength.
Data Source
AI summary
An enclosure and a method for forming an enclosure are disclosed. The enclosure may be formed from metal, such as aluminum, and further include a non-metal portion allowing for transmission and receipt of electromagnetic waves. The non-metal portion may be interlocked to the enclosure and in particular, to a region within the enclosure including a first material having a relatively high strength and stiffness compared to the non-metal portion. Interlocking means may include forming dovetail cuts into the enclosure to receive the non-metal portion, a hole or cavity drilled into the enclosure which includes internal threads, and a rod inserted into the first material to provide a tension to the non-metal portion. Methods of assembling internal components using anodization are also disclosed.