Multi-Layer Waterproof Structure for Display-Circuit Assemblies

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices face challenges in maintaining a balance between design freedom and effective waterproofing, as components like speakers, antennas, and magnetic bodies interfere with traditional waterproof structures, limiting their functionality and stability.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device incorporates a housing with multiple waterproof members, including a first and second waterproof member surrounding the circuit board and conductive film, respectively, and a bonding waterproof member between them, along with injection holes and non-overlapping design for components like antennas and magnetic bodies, ensuring a stable waterproof and dustproof performance while minimizing interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional waterproof member is disposed in the electronic device, then waterproof performance is improved, but design freedom is degraded due to interference with internal components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaterproof performanceVSAvoiddesign freedom
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The waterproof structure is divided into multiple waterproof members (first waterproof member, second waterproof member, and bonding waterproof member) positioned at different locations. This segmentation allows each member to independently fulfill waterproofing functions while avoiding interference with internal components like speakers, antennas, and magnetic bodies, thus maintaining both waterproof performance and design freedom.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bonding waterproof member is disposed to face a side surface of internal components in a direction perpendicular to the main waterproofing direction. This dimensional change allows the waterproof structure to protect against moisture from multiple directions without blocking the placement of internal components in the primary plane, resolving the conflict between waterproof coverage and component arrangement flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If waterproof members are disposed close to internal components, then comprehensive waterproof coverage is achieved, but interference with component functionality increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaterproof coverageVSAvoidcomponent interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Different waterproof members are positioned at specific locations based on local requirements: the first and second waterproof members provide primary waterproofing, while the bonding waterproof member is strategically placed to face side surfaces of components. This localized approach ensures comprehensive coverage while minimizing interference with component functionality by avoiding unnecessary proximity to sensitive elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Device complexity

If a single waterproof member is used, then device complexity is reduced, but waterproof reliability in multiple directions is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaterproof structure complexityVSAvoidmulti-directional waterproof reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The waterproof system is segmented into three distinct waterproof members positioned at different orientations and locations. This segmentation enables the structure to block moisture from multiple directions (front, back, and side surfaces) simultaneously, achieving multi-directional waterproof reliability while keeping each individual member relatively simple in design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each waterproof member serves multiple functions: the first and second waterproof members provide primary sealing, while the bonding waterproof member simultaneously provides waterproofing and structural bonding. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, balancing complexity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4243581B1Electronic apparatus comprising waterproof structure
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4243581B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4243581B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4243581B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

According to various embodiments, disclosed is an electronic device comprising: a housing comprising first and second side members facing each other in a first direction, and third and fourth side members facing each other in a second direction differing from the first direction; a display panel disposed in the housing; a conductive film connected to the display panel; a circuit board connected to the conductive film; a first waterproof member spaced apart from the circuit board; a second waterproof member, which faces the first waterproof member in the first direction and is disposed to be closer to the third and fourth side members than to the conductive film; and an adhesive waterproof member, which is disposed between the first and second waterproof members and faces the side surface of the conductive film and/or the circuit board in the second direction.