Integrally Molded LCD Window Seal for Animal Training Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing animal training device housings with internally disposed LCDs face issues with water and debris ingress due to inadequate sealing between the window pane and the housing perimeter, leading to potential damage to internal components.
Innovation Solution
The housing integrates a transparent pane with the framing wall, forming a unitary barrier that extends beyond the window perimeter to create a seal, preventing liquid and dust ingress, and is manufactured using a method involving molds to ensure a strong, watertight seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a separate transparent pane is fitted within the window to allow viewing of the LCD, then the LCD is visible from externally, but water and debris can pass into the housing between the pane and window perimeter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the window pane with the housing structure by integrally forming the pane as part of the housing wall. This eliminates the separate interface between pane and housing that allows water and debris ingress, while maintaining full transparency for LCD visibility. The integral formation creates a continuous sealed structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate sealing structure that extends from the inner perimeter of the window outwardly to meet the outer surface of the housing. This intermediate seal acts as a barrier that prevents water and debris from reaching the interface between the pane and housing, while allowing the pane to remain transparent for viewing the LCD.
2Ease of operation
If a separate pane is used to cover the window, then the LCD can be viewed, but the interface between pane and window perimeter deteriorates over time allowing liquid and dust ingress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pane and housing into a single integral structure, eliminating the separate components that deteriorate over time. The integral formation ensures that the sealing relationship is maintained permanently without degradation from repeated assembly and disassembly or environmental stress on joint interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates the sealing structure as an integral part of the housing during manufacturing, before the device is put into service. The sealing flange or intermediate structure is pre-formed as part of the housing mold, ensuring proper sealing geometry is established before any potential deterioration from use, vibration, or environmental exposure.
3Illumination intensity
If the pane extends only to the window perimeter, then the LCD is visible, but water and debris can enter along the perimeter of the opening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the sealing function from the two-dimensional window perimeter to a three-dimensional structure by adding a sealing flange or intermediate structure that protrudes from the housing wall. This creates an additional dimensional barrier that water and debris must overcome, while the transparent pane maintained in its original position for optimal LCD viewing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate sealing structure that acts as a mediator between the transparent pane and the housing exterior. This intermediate structure intercepts water and debris before they can reach the pane-housing interface, while maintaining the transparency and viewing capability of the pane.
Data Source
AI summary
A housing forming a portion of an animal training device having a framing wall adapted to frame an LCD disposed internally of the housing. The framing wall defines an interior surface and a window for viewing of the LCD. A window pane is integrally formed with the window about the outer perimeter of the window and extends laterally outwardly of the perimeter of the window to overlie a portion of the inner surface of the framing wall proximate the window thereby integrating the pane with the framing wall, thereby effecting an extended seal between the pane and the framing wall and simultaneously enhancing the strength and rigidity of the framing wall. In one embodiment, the pane is integrally molded with the framing wall.