Rear Surface Conduit Structure for Thin Electronic Device Accessibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

As electronic devices become thinner, the limited space available for forming holes or conduits poses a challenge in accessing internal components from the outside, particularly in full front type devices with expanding display areas.

Innovation Solution

A conduit structure is implemented at the rear surface of the electronic device, allowing for a passage between internal components and the outside, utilizing existing receiver holes or spaces without the need for separate conduit formation, and incorporating sealing gaskets to manage moisture and sound/gas flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a hole or conduit is formed to access internal components from the outside, then component accessibility is improved, but device thickness increases due to limited space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent accessibilityVSAvoiddevice thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions the communication hole at the rear surface of the display rather than the front surface, utilizing the third dimension (depth/thickness direction) to resolve the spatial conflict. This allows the hole to access internal components without increasing the overall device thickness, as the hole penetrates through the existing depth of the device structure.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The rear surface of the display is utilized for multiple purposes: it serves as both the visual display surface and as a location for positioning communication holes. This multi-functional use of space allows the same surface area to provide both display functionality and component accessibility without requiring additional thickness.

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

2Ease of operation

If separate conduit structures are added for component access, then accessibility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent accessibilityVSAvoidconduit structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the communication hole directly into the rear surface of the display structure, merging the display component with the communication access function. This eliminates the need for separate conduit structures, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining accessibility to internal components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The communication hole is extracted from the traditional front surface location and repositioned to the rear surface of the display. This extraction allows the hole to be formed as part of the display structure itself rather than as a separate added component, simplifying the overall device architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

This design enhances the flexibility in component placement, prevents moisture ingress, and allows sound or gas to reach internal components, improving the operational performance and design freedom of electronic devices.

Implementation Method 1

a gasket sheet configured to cover and seal the flow path

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSealing:

Data Source

PatentEP3732870B1Electronic device including conduit structure
Publication Date: 2023.08.02 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3732870B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3732870B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3732870B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5a

AI summary

A conduit structure of an electronic device and an electronic device are provided. The conduit structure includes an inner structure including a front surface and a rear surface, wherein the front surface includes a first region configured to receive a display and a second region, which is a remaining area of the front surface of the inner structure, a receiver hole configured to penetrate the second region and to connect a receiver receiving space and an external space of the inner structure, a first through-hole configured to penetrate the first region and to connect the receiver receiving space and the front surface of the inner structure, a second through-hole, which is spaced apart from the first through-hole, configured to penetrate the first region and to connect the rear surface of the inner structure, and a flow path configured to connect the first through-hole and the second through-hole at the front surface of the inner structure.