Rotatable Operation Member Sealing for Dustproof Performance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic apparatuses with rotatable operation members, such as image pickup devices, face issues with dustproof and drip-proof performance due to exposed magnetic components that attract iron powder and allow ingress of dust and water.
Innovation Solution
A design where a rotatable operation member is integrated with a magnet having alternating N and S poles, positioned between two magnetic members with comb tooth portions, is enclosed within an exterior member to prevent exposure and enhance sealing, using spacers and sealing members to maintain operational feel while reducing thickness and improving protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the magnet and magnetic member are exposed to the outside for operational feel and detection, then the user can sense rotation and detect position, but magnetic dust adheres to the magnet and magnetic member and dustproof performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A non-magnetic material is introduced as an intermediary between the magnet and the external environment. This intermediary material allows the magnetic field to pass through for operational feel and detection while preventing magnetic dust from adhering to the magnet and magnetic member, thus resolving the contradiction between operational feel and dustproof performance.
2Measurement precision
If the magnet and magnetic member are exposed to the outside for rotation detection, then the rotational position can be detected, but drip-proof performance becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
A non-magnetic material serves as a mediator that is transparent or translucent to magnetic fields but impermeable to water. This allows the magnet and magnetic member to be enclosed for drip-proof protection while maintaining their ability to interact magnetically for rotation detection.
Solution Approach 2:
A thin non-magnetic film or shell is used to enclose the magnet and magnetic member. This flexible barrier provides drip-proof protection while allowing magnetic field penetration for operational feel and rotation detection, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and drip-proof performance.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the magnet and magnetic member are covered for dustproof and drip-proof protection, then sealing performance improves, but the operational feel may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The non-magnetic material acts as a mediator that is magnetically transparent, allowing the magnetic field to pass through effectively. This maintains the operational feel by enabling the user to sense rotation through the magnet while providing dustproof and drip-proof protection simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic properties of the non-magnetic material are utilized to change the permeability parameters, allowing magnetic field penetration while providing physical barrier protection. This resolves the contradiction between sealing performance and operational feel by exploiting different physical property parameters.
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 solution provides a rotatable operation member with enhanced dustproof and drip-proof performance, minimizing magnetic field exposure and preventing dust and water ingress while maintaining a strong rotation-resistant force and operational feel.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet in which N poles and S poles are alternately magnetized in a rotational direction, the magnet being rotatable integrally with the rotatable operation member
Implementation Method 2
the magnet, the first magnetic member, and the second magnetic member are disposed on an opposite side of the base member from the rotatable operation member
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic apparatus includes a rotatable operation member that can be rotationally operated, a base member, a magnet having alternately magnetized N and S poles and rotatable integrally with the rotatable operation member, and first and second magnetic members disposed so that the magnet is disposed between them in an axial direction of a rotational center axis of the rotatable operation member and having a plurality of comb tooth portions. In the axial direction, the first magnetic member, the magnet, and the second magnetic member are disposed on an opposite side of the base member from the rotatable operation member. A part of an outer circumferential portion of the rotatable operation member is exposed to an outside from an opening provided on an exterior member of the electronic apparatus. The magnet, the first magnetic member, and the second magnetic member are covered with the exterior member.