Electronic Device Panel Recess Hiding Cover Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices face challenges in effectively locating components such as acoustic components and buttons while minimizing the risk of panel breakage due to the need for communication pathways and protection of recesses.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a panel with a first recess and a cover featuring a through hole or cut for communication between components and the outside, which hides the recess, allowing for enhanced component placement without shielding sound and protecting the panel from damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a recess is provided in the panel for component placement, then component placement freedom is improved, but panel strength deteriorates and breakage risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent placement freedomVSAvoidpanel strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The recess is formed by nesting the cover within the panel structure. The cover includes a recess portion that creates the component housing space, while the panel maintains its integrity by not having a direct recess cut into it. This nested arrangement allows component placement freedom while preserving panel strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Object-generated harmful factors

If a through hole or cut is provided in the cover for sound communication, then sound transmission is improved, but protection against foreign matter deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound transmissionVSAvoidprotection against foreign matter

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A breathable film is used to cover the through hole or cut in the cover. This thin film structure allows sound waves to pass through effectively while simultaneously blocking foreign matter such as water and dust. The film's selective permeability resolves the contradiction between sound transmission and protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Strength

If the cover hides the recess to protect the panel, then panel protection is improved, but component communication with outside deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepanel protectionVSAvoidcomponent communication

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cover is segmented into different functional portions: a recess portion that hides and protects the panel recess, and a through hole portion that enables component communication with the outside. This segmentation allows the cover to simultaneously perform both protection and communication functions without compromise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9742888B1Electronic device

Publication Date: 2017.08.22 KYOCERA CORP

AI summary

An electronic device includes a case, a panel which includes a first surface including a contour line and is held by the case such that the first surface faces outward, the contour line being provided with a first recess, a first component located in the case, and a cover which is provided with a through hole or a cut for communication between the first component and the outside and is located to hide the first recess when the first surface is two-dimensionally viewed.