Resin Buffer Bezel for Metal Electronic Timepiece Impact Absorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices, such as timepieces, face challenges in absorbing impacts without compromising the internal components or the sensitivity of internal antennas, particularly when metal components are used as exteriors.

Innovation Solution

The integration of a buffer bezel made from a resin material between the metal bezel and the case, creating a movable space that absorbs displacement caused by impacts, thereby preventing direct transmission of forces to internal components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a metal exterior is provided on the electronic device, then the durability and aesthetic appearance are improved, but the impact resistance deteriorates due to direct force transmission to internal components

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidimpact resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A buffer member made of resin material is introduced as an intermediary between the metal exterior and the case. This buffer member absorbs impact forces through deformation, preventing direct transmission of shock to internal components while maintaining the metal exterior's aesthetic and durable properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic device employs a composite structure combining metal exterior material with resin buffer material. The metal provides strength and aesthetics, while the resin buffer provides impact absorption, creating a multi-material system that resolves the contradiction between durability and impact resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a buffer is interposed between the exterior and the case, then the impact resistance is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpact resistanceVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The buffer member is integrated with the exterior assembly such that it functions as a unified component. The buffer is positioned between the exterior and case, absorbing impacts while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure without requiring complex mechanisms or multiple separate parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a movable space is provided between the exterior and the case, then the displacement absorption capability is improved, but the structural stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplacement absorptionVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The buffer member acts as a flexible element that allows controlled movement and displacement absorption between the exterior and case. This flexible buffer maintains structural integrity while accommodating impacts, preventing excessive movement that would compromise stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 configuration enhances the impact resistance of the electronic device while maintaining the sensitivity of internal antennas, such as GPS, by absorbing shocks and reducing the risk of damage to internal components.

Implementation Method 1

a movable space that is able to absorb displacement of the exterior is provided between the exterior and the case

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20250164935A1Electronic device and electronic timepiece
Publication Date: 2025.05.22 CASIO COMPUTER CO LTD
  • US20250164935A1 patent drawing
  • US20250164935A1 patent drawing
  • US20250164935A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed is an electronic device, including: a case; an exterior that is made from a metal material and is externally mounted to the case; and a buffer that is interposed between the exterior and the case. A movable space that is able to absorb displacement of the exterior is provided between the exterior and the case, and a first region in which the buffer is provided and a second region in which the case is provided via the movable space are located inside of the exterior.