Light-Blocking Seal Assembly for Compact Electronic Housings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional electronic devices are not adequately designed to withstand external forces while protecting internal components from dust and light interference, leading to degradation and interference between components, and often result in bulky or expensive assemblies.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of seals made from materials like silicone and plastic shims with compressible foam, which obstruct light and inhibit dust, and are designed for interference fits to separate electronic components, facilitating assembly and reducing weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional designs are used to protect internal components from dust and light interference, then component protection is improved, but device weight and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thin film seals made from flexible materials such as foam and silicone that conform to the contours of internal components. These thin films provide effective dust and light protection while adding minimal weight and volume compared to traditional rigid protective housings. The flexible nature of these films allows them to seal around irregular component shapes without requiring bulky enclosures.
2Reliability
If traditional designs are used to protect internal components from dust and light interference, then component protection is improved, but assembly complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple protective functions into a single seal component that simultaneously blocks dust, debris, and light interference. This multi-functional seal eliminates the need for separate protective housings, gaskets, and light shields that would otherwise be required in traditional designs. The seal is designed to interface with existing structural elements like the base support ledge, combining structural support and protective sealing in one element.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible thin film construction of the seal allows it to be installed in a single piece without requiring complex fastening mechanisms, multiple assembly steps, or precision alignment procedures. The material's compliance enables simple snap-fit or friction-fit installation against the base support ledge and second wall, dramatically reducing assembly complexity compared to rigid multi-component protective systems.
3Ease of manufacture
If seals are designed for interference fit to separate components, then assembly is simplified, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the elastic properties of foam and silicone materials to create an interference fit that is tolerant of normal manufacturing variations. These materials can elastically deform during assembly to accommodate slight dimensional variations in the base support ledge and second wall, then maintain a secure seal once installed. This elastic compliance effectively decouples the tight fit requirements from the manufacturing precision requirements, allowing standard tolerances to be used.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible nature of the thin film seal materials allows them to conform to the actual geometry of the mating surfaces during assembly, compensating for minor manufacturing imperfections. The material's ability to stretch and compress enables a reliable interference fit even when component dimensions fall within standard tolerance ranges, eliminating the need for precision machining or tight tolerance specifications.
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 seals effectively protect internal components from light and debris, enable proper functioning, and allow for compact, aesthetically pleasing designs with reduced assembly complexity and cost.
Implementation Method 1
The foam material can be compressed between the plastic shim and the second wall
Implementation Method 2
a foam material coupled to the plastic shim with a pressure sensitive adhesive
Implementation Method 3
The seal can obstruct light having wavelengths between about 10−8 m to about 10−3 m
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes housing having a first wall and a second wall, the first and second walls defining an enclosure. A base support is disposed in the enclosure and defining a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The first surface is coupled to the first wall. A light emitting component is coupled to a second surface of the base support. A seal surrounding the light emitting component is disposed between the base support and the second wall. The second wall is disposed over the base support.