Irregular Port Capillary Gradient for Liquid Expulsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices are vulnerable to water ingress through ports, which can distort audio transmission and impede air flow due to water becoming lodged in the port due to attraction forces and buoyancy, leading to operational issues.
Innovation Solution
The design of a port with an asymmetric profile and a hydrophobic coating that creates a capillary pressure gradient to expel water by varying the curvature and surface energy, allowing ambient air to separate the water from the internal surface and facilitate its removal without external forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional port design is used, then the device structure is simple, but water becomes lodged in the port due to attraction forces and buoyancy, causing operational issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by designing a port with non-uniform curvature along its length. The port transitions from a first curvature at the external opening to a second curvature at the internal opening, creating asymmetric capillary pressure distribution that enables water expulsion without requiring complex mechanical components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by varying the curvature characteristics at different sections of the port. The first section has a different curvature than the second section, creating localized capillary pressure gradients that drive water removal while maintaining overall port simplicity
2Reliability
If the port curvature is increased to enhance capillary pressure, then water removal effectiveness improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the curvature parameter along the port length to create effective capillary pressure gradients. By transitioning from a first curvature to a second curvature, the design achieves water expulsion functionality while using achievable manufacturing tolerances for the curvature transitions
3Ease of manufacture
If a symmetric port design is used, then manufacturing is easier, but capillary pressure gradient cannot be effectively created to remove water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deliberately introduces asymmetry in the port's curvature profile along its length. This asymmetric design creates the necessary capillary pressure gradient for water removal while remaining manufacturable through conventional processes that can handle gradual curvature transitions
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 effectively removes water from the port, preventing operational disruptions and ensuring unimpeded audio transmission and air flow within the electronic device.
Implementation Method 1
The internal surface may include a first portion having a first curvature that creates a first capillary pressure that is exerted by a liquid in contact with the first portion. The internal surface may further include a second portion having a second curvature that is different than the first curvature. The second curvature may create a second capillary pressure that is exerted by the liquid in contact with the second portion.
Implementation Method 2
at least some of the internal surface may be coated with a hydrophobic coating to lower the surface energy of the internal surface
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device with a port is disclosed. To expel liquid in the port, the port includes modifications to form a capillary pressure gradient with the liquid, causing uneven capillary forces to act on the liquid in the port. For example, the port may include an asymmetric profile with one section having a curved profile and another section having one or more linear profiles that join at an edge. The edge may form a relative higher curved surface as compared to the curved profile. As a result, the capillary pressure gradient may exert a higher capillary pressure in a location associated with the edge, as compared to a capillary pressure along the curved profile. The capillary pressure gradient causes ambient air into the port along the edge, and separates the liquid from the edge, allowing gravity to overcome atmospheric pressure and causing removal of the liquid from the port.