Gasket for Mobile Device Touch Display Debris Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Touch sensitive displays in mobile devices are prone to degradation and contamination from environmental debris due to their portable nature, leading to mechanical issues and reduced responsiveness over time.

Innovation Solution

A gasket is used between the housing and the touch sensitive display subassembly, forming a seal to prevent debris entry and providing impact resistance, while allowing for flexible movement of the display, comprising a shedding portion to direct debris away and a centering portion for maintaining the display's position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the touch sensitive display is made movable relative to the housing to enable touch detection, then the touch sensitivity and user interface functionality are improved, but the display becomes vulnerable to debris entry and mechanical degradation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetouch sensitivityVSAvoiddebris contamination
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A gasket is introduced as an intermediary component between the housing and the touch sensitive display assembly. The gasket serves as a protective barrier that prevents debris from reaching the display components while allowing the display to maintain its movable configuration for touch detection functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The gasket is implemented as a flexible sealing element that can accommodate the movement of the touch sensitive display relative to the housing. This flexible film structure provides continuous protection against debris while maintaining the necessary mechanical freedom for touch operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a seal is implemented between the housing and display to prevent debris entry, then protection against contamination is improved, but the movement and responsiveness of the display may be restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedebris protectionVSAvoiddisplay movement
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The gasket is designed as a flexible sealing element that can deform and move with the touch sensitive display assembly. This flexibility allows the seal to maintain contact with both the housing and display components while accommodating the movement required for touch detection, thus providing protection without restricting functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing system is designed to be dynamic rather than rigid, allowing the gasket to adapt its shape and position as the display moves. This dynamic sealing approach maintains protection against debris while enabling the necessary movement for touch operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the touch sensitive display is exposed to environmental conditions for portable use, then the portability and ease of operation are improved, but the mechanical components and responsiveness degrade over time

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveportabilityVSAvoidmechanical responsiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The gasket acts as a protective intermediary that shields the touch sensitive display components from direct exposure to environmental debris and contaminants. This barrier function helps maintain the mechanical integrity and responsiveness of the display components over time, thereby improving reliability while preserving portability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The gasket provides beforehand protection by creating a sealed barrier that prevents debris from reaching and damaging the display components. This preventive measure cushions against the harmful effects of environmental exposure, reducing degradation and maintaining reliability during portable use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 gasket effectively inhibits debris from entering the display assembly, maintains the display's responsiveness, and provides shock absorption, enhancing the operational life and durability of the mobile device.

Implementation Method 1

The gasket is attached to only one of the housing and the touch sensitive display subassembly. This gasket inhibits passage of debris between the housing and the touch screen display subassembly.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSealing:

Implementation Method 2

A gasket is used between the housing and the touch sensitive display subassembly, forming a seal to prevent debris entry and providing impact resistance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectShock absorption: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP2249226B1Gasket for a mobile device having a touch sensitive display
Publication Date: 2011.09.28 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2249226B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2249226B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2249226B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A mobile device is disclosed that includes a housing, a touch sensitive display subassembly, and a gasket. The touch sensitive display subassembly is received in the housing and is movable relative to the housing. The touch sensitive display subassembly includes a lens overlaying a display. The gasket is attached to only one of the housing and the touch sensitive display subassembly. This gasket inhibits passage of debris between the housing and the touch screen display subassembly.