Portable Device Interceptor for Waterproofing via Integral Molding

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing portable electronic devices face challenges in preventing foreign substances like dust and water from entering due to the deterioration of soft rubber seals and the difficulty in designing precise dimensions for hard rubber members, which compromise waterproofness and assembling characteristics.

Innovation Solution

An interceptor is integrally formed with at least one case of the portable electronic device using double injection molding, featuring protrusions that seal the coupling surfaces to prevent foreign substances from entering, enhancing assembling characteristics and waterproofness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a soft rubber member is inserted into the U-shaped groove to prevent water penetration, then waterproofness is improved, but the rubber member deteriorates over time and creates assembling difficulties

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovewaterproofnessVSAvoidassembling characteristics
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The intercepting part is integrally formed with at least one of the first case or the second case, merging the sealing function with the case structure. This eliminates the need for separate rubber members and their associated assembly issues while maintaining waterproofness through the integral formation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The intercepting part is formed through double injection molding, creating a composite structure that combines different materials or properties within a single integrated component. This allows the intercepting part to achieve both sealing effectiveness and improved assembling characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of manufacture

If a hard rubber member is employed to improve assembling characteristics, then assembling characteristics are improved, but the sealing force is reduced and waterproofness is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembling characteristicsVSAvoidwaterproofness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The intercepting part is integrally formed with the case structure, eliminating the need for separate hard or soft rubber members. The integral formation process creates a seamless connection that provides both good assembling characteristics and maintains waterproofness through precise dimensional control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The double injection molding process allows for precise control of dimensional parameters and material properties of the intercepting part. By optimizing these parameters during manufacturing, the intercepting part achieves both improved assembling characteristics and sufficient sealing force to maintain waterproofness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the rubber member is formed to closely fit the groove, then waterproofness is improved, but it becomes difficult to design fine dimensions and patterns

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovewaterproofnessVSAvoiddesign complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The intercepting part is integrally formed with the case, merging the sealing structure with the case geometry. This integration simplifies the design process by eliminating the need for separate rubber member designs while maintaining the close fit required for waterproofness through the molding process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The double injection molding process enables precise control of dimensional parameters, allowing for fine dimensions and complex patterns to be directly formed in the intercepting part. This reduces design complexity compared to traditional rubber member approaches while maintaining the close fit needed for effective sealing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2217047B1Portable electronic device having interceptor for foreign substance
Publication Date: 2014.10.01 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP2217047B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2217047B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2217047B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed is a portable electronic device having an interceptor for cutting off foreign substances such as water, dust or the like from being entered between the coupling surfaces thereof. The portable electronic device includes: a first case; a second case to be joined with the first case; and an intercepting part integrally formed with at least one of the first case or the second case, wherein the intercepting part is sealingly engaged with the coupling surface of the first case or the second case to prevent foreign substances and waterproof the device thereof.