Sapphire Cover Panel Reinforcement for Bending Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices with cover panels, such as mobile phones, face challenges in durability and cracking due to the presence of through-holes for operation buttons, which can lead to bending and subsequent cracking under stress, especially when made from high-hardness materials like sapphire.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a panel support member with a reinforcing part that extends along the short-length direction to reduce bending and cracking, combined with a cover panel made of sapphire or other hard materials, and using a piezoelectric vibrating element that vibrates while bent to transmit sound effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a cover panel made of sapphire or other high-hardness materials is used, then the durability and scratch resistance of the surface is improved, but the panel becomes prone to bending and cracking due to its brittleness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite structure combining a sapphire cover panel with a resin layer and a reinforcing member. The sapphire provides scratch resistance while the resin and reinforcing member compensate for brittleness, preventing bending and cracking. This composite approach allows the system to simultaneously achieve both hard surface protection and overall structural reliability.
2Ease of operation
If through-holes are provided in the cover panel for operation buttons, then the ease of operation is improved, but the structural integrity is weakened leading to increased bending and cracking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the operation buttons from the cover panel by providing through-holes, allowing independent button operation. The cover panel maintains its protective function while the buttons are accessible through the holes, separating the structural role of the panel from the operational role of the buttons.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the structure into distinct functional components: the cover panel for protection, the resin layer for filling and reinforcement, and the reinforcing member for structural support. This segmentation allows each component to address specific requirements without compromising overall integrity.
3Length of moving object
If the cover panel is made thinner to reduce device thickness, then the compactness is improved, but the panel becomes more susceptible to bending and deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite structure where a thin sapphire cover panel is combined with a resin layer and a reinforcing member. This composite construction allows the panel to be thin for compactness while the reinforcing components provide the necessary structural support to prevent bending and maintain stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent addresses the bending issue by adding reinforcement in another dimension - the reinforcing member extends in the longitudinal direction, providing structural support perpendicular to the thin panel surface, thus compensating for the reduced thickness without increasing overall device thickness significantly.
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 enhances the durability of the cover panel by reducing bending and cracking, while allowing for effective sound transmission through the piezoelectric vibrating element, improving user experience and device reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric vibrating element that vibrates while bent to transmit sound effectively
Data Source
AI summary
A cover panel is located on a surface of an electronic apparatus, and includes at least one through-hole and is made of sapphire. A panel support member includes a plate part, support parts, and a reinforcing part. The plate part is opposed to the cover panel. The support parts are vertically arranged on both sides of the plate part and support the cover panel. The reinforcing part is located in the plate part and reinforces the plate part. An operation button passes through the through-hole.