Segmented Housing for Handheld Device Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern handheld electronic devices face challenges in integrating complex subsystems into a compact and reliable form that can withstand daily use, requiring innovative solutions for housing, display, and wireless communication systems.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device incorporates a multi-piece housing with conductive materials and joint structures for structural integrity and wireless communication, along with advanced display technologies such as touch- and force-sensitive displays, multiple cameras, and wireless charging systems, all integrated into a robust and compact design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple subsystems (display, camera, wireless communication) are integrated into a compact device, then device functionality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into multiple housing members (first housing member, second housing member, third housing member) that can be separately manufactured and then assembled. Each housing member can accommodate specific subsystems, allowing for modular design and simplified manufacturing while maintaining compact integration of multiple functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If housing members are joined together to form compact structure, then device durability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice durabilityVSAvoidjoint structure precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is segmented into multiple members that are joined together through defined joint structures. This segmentation allows each member to be manufactured separately with standard tolerances, and the joint structures provide standardized interfaces that simplify assembly while maintaining overall structural integrity and durability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3832993B1Handheld electronic device
Publication Date: 2023.09.13 APPLE INC
  • EP3832993B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3832993B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3832993B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

A portable electronic device (100) includes a housing member (124, 125, 126, 127, 128, and 130) defining a first portion of an exterior front surface of the portable electronic device (100), a first portion of an exterior rear surface of the portable electronic device (100), at least a portion of an exterior side surface of the portable electronic device, a recess along an interior side of the housing member, and a ledge feature along the interior side of the housing member. The device also includes a top module (301) coupled to the housing member and including a front cover (102) defining a second portion of the exterior front surface of the portable electronic device (100), a display stack (103) attached to the front cover (102), and a frame member (204) extending at least partially around a periphery of the display stack (103) and set apart from a surface of the recess by a gap.