Protective Apparatus for Vacuum Drying Screen Damage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional smart device vacuum drying methods cause damage to delicate screens due to extreme negative pressure, which is mitigated only by disassembling the device, a time-consuming and risky process.

Innovation Solution

A protective apparatus with a stiffening plate, vacuum seal ring, and check valve is attached to the screen, ensuring it remains flat and supported under increased vacuum pressure, using a rigid structure and sealing techniques to prevent compressive forces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the smart device is subjected to vacuum pressure for water removal, then water is effectively evacuated from the device, but the screen collapses inward due to negative pressure causing damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater removal effectivenessVSAvoidscreen damage from compressive forces

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A protective apparatus acts as an intermediary between the vacuum environment and the screen. The apparatus includes a rigid structure with a seal that attaches to the screen, creating a sealed chamber between the protective apparatus and the screen. This intermediary structure prevents the screen from being directly exposed to vacuum pressure, thereby preventing collapse while allowing water removal to proceed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The protective apparatus is attached to the screen before the vacuum drying process begins. The rigid structure of the protective apparatus provides preemptive support and cushioning to the screen, preventing it from collapsing under negative pressure during the vacuum process. The apparatus is designed to withstand vacuum pressures while maintaining screen integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the device is disassembled to protect the screen during vacuum drying, then screen damage is prevented, but the process becomes time-consuming and risky

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescreen protectionVSAvoiddisassembly and reassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The protective apparatus serves as an external intermediary that can be attached to the assembled device without requiring disassembly. It provides screen protection while the device remains in its functional assembled state, eliminating the time and risk associated with taking the device apart and putting it back together.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If VHB adhesives are used to seal the display and screen, then water resistance is achieved, but the screen becomes vulnerable to collapse under vacuum pressure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater resistanceVSAvoidscreen resistance to compressive forces

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing function is segmented into two parts: the VHB adhesive seals the device body against water intrusion, while the protective apparatus creates a separate sealed chamber between itself and the screen. This segmentation allows the VHB adhesive to maintain water resistance without requiring it to also provide structural support against vacuum pressure, which it is not designed to withstand.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The protective apparatus acts as an intermediary structure that bears the vacuum pressure load, preventing it from being transmitted to the screen and VHB adhesive bond. The rigid structure of the protective apparatus is specifically designed to withstand vacuum pressures while the VHB adhesive continues to provide water sealing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 apparatus effectively prevents screen damage during vacuum drying by maintaining the screen's flatness and structural integrity, aligning with the design intent of vacuum dryers to remove water without disassembly.

Implementation Method 1

vacuum seal ring

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum sealing: Vacuum

Implementation Method 2

check valve

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCheck valve operation: Valve

Data Source

PatentUS10697701B2Method and apparatus to prevent electronic device screen damage

Publication Date: 2020.06.30 REVIVE ELECTRONICS LLC

AI summary

This invention relates generally to a multi-function apparatus that is especially suited for the prevention of personal electronic device screen damage during vacuum drying of the device. The apparatus utilizes injection molded plastic that incorporates a sealing ring that seals itself onto a display. This sealing under vacuum pressure substantially increases the screen or display stiffness and prevents any deflection caused by sudden re-pressurization of air.