Electronic Device Waterproofing With Segmented Through-Hole Seals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices face challenges in achieving stable waterproof and dustproof performance due to difficulties in manufacturing waterproof members, making them unsuitable for mass production.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device incorporates a waterproof structure comprising a first and second housing with through-holes, a flexible display, a flexible printed circuit board, a waterproof member, and a sealing member, along with support brackets to ensure seamless assembly and effective waterproofing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a waterproof member is used to block introduction of moisture and foreign substances, then waterproof performance is improved, but manufacturing difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewaterproof performanceVSAvoidmanufacturing difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The waterproof member is divided into multiple segments that can be independently manufactured and assembled. Each segment can be produced using standard manufacturing processes, and they are assembled together to form the complete waterproof structure, reducing overall manufacturing difficulty while maintaining waterproof performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A support bracket is introduced as an intermediary component to hold the waterproof member in place. The support bracket simplifies the assembly process by providing a mounting structure, allowing the waterproof member to be easily installed without complex manufacturing procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a complex waterproof member structure is used to ensure stable waterproof performance, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewaterproof performance stabilityVSAvoidwaterproof member complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The waterproof member is segmented into multiple simpler components that can be manufactured independently and assembled together. This segmentation reduces the complexity of each individual component while maintaining the overall waterproof performance through proper assembly of the segments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support bracket serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, facilitates assembly, and secures the waterproof member in place. By making the support bracket multi-functional, the overall device complexity is reduced while maintaining stable waterproof performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250337451A1Electronic device including waterproof structure

Publication Date: 2025.10.30 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

Disclosed is an electronic device includes a flexible circuit board passing via a first through-hole included in a first housing and a second through-hole included in a second housing, a first support bracket disposed to support the flexible circuit board while covering the first through-hole, a second support bracket disposed to support the flexible circuit board while covering the second through-hole, a first waterproof member disposed to face a partial area of the first through-hole from the first support bracket and inserted into the partial area of the first through-hole, a second waterproof member inserted into the remaining areas of the first through-hole, a third waterproof member disposed to face a partial area of the second through-hole from the second support bracket and inserted into the partial area of the second through-hole, a fourth waterproof member inserted into the remaining areas of the second through-hole.