Insert-Molded Polymer Anchoring for Data Port Structural Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic devices face challenges in extending the active display area due to components around the edge interfering with the display assembly, and existing solutions fail to securely anchor structural support members within data ports without obstructing the display or providing a water-resistant seal.
Innovation Solution
The use of insert molded polymer material to support structural support members within data port openings, engaging anchoring features to retain the members and create a water-resistant seal, while allowing the display assembly to extend closer to the edge of the device without needing additional mounting hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If traditional mounting hardware or flange features are used to secure structural support members, then the structural support member can be anchored, but the display assembly area is blocked and the device edge-to-edge display cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes traditional mounting hardware and flange features from the structural support member design. Instead, the structural support member is secured through insert-molded polymer material that is integrated into the housing during the housing manufacturing process, eliminating the need for separate anchoring components and enabling edge-to-edge display.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the structural support member securing function with the housing manufacturing process itself. The insert-molded polymer material is integrated into the housing during injection molding, merging the housing formation and structural support member anchoring into a single manufacturing step, thereby eliminating additional mounting hardware.
2Reliability
If the device housing uses traditional sealing methods around data ports, then water resistance can be achieved, but the structural support member cannot be securely retained without additional hardware
Solution Approach 1:
The insert-molded polymer material serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides water-resistant sealing around the data port opening and securely retains the structural support member through integrated anchoring features. This single component replaces what would traditionally require separate sealing elements and mounting hardware.
3Reliability
If additional anchoring features are added to the structural support member, then retention can be improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring features are prepared in advance on the structural support member during its manufacturing process. The insert-molding process then integrates these pre-prepared anchoring features with corresponding features in the housing during the housing manufacturing process, simplifying the overall assembly process while ensuring reliable retention.
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 solution effectively secures structural support members within data ports, prevents water intrusion, and allows the display assembly to approach the edge of the device, enhancing aesthetics and functionality by eliminating the need for flange features and providing a robust, water-resistant seal.
Implementation Method 1
a polymer material filling the gap and engaging the first and second anchoring features to retain the structural support member within the data port opening
Implementation Method 2
to form a water-resistant seal between the portion of the wall defining the data port opening and the structural support member
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes features and methods of formation of a data port for a portable electronic device. The portable electronic device includes a device housing having a wall defining a data port opening. An anchoring feature is formed along a portion of the wall defining the data port opening. A structural support member is positioned within the data port opening and reinforces the data port opening. A polymer material fills a gap between the structural support member and a portion of the wall defining the data port opening. The polymer material engages the anchoring feature to retain the structural support member within the data port opening.