Hermetically Sealed Optical Enclosure Sharp Edge Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional miniature cameras for cell phone applications are not suitable for operation in highly humid or wet environments, as they can degrade due to water exposure, leading to optical performance issues and potential electrical component failure, with existing solutions being ineffective and costly.
Innovation Solution
A hermetically sealed enclosure for optical devices, made from metal or metal alloys with a hollow body and a light-transmitting window, that forms a complete seal against foreign matter using a sharp edge and soft metal track combination, allowing for operation in humid or wet conditions by preventing moisture ingress and providing an electromagnetic interference shield.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional miniature cameras are used in cell phones, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability deteriorates in humid or wet environments due to moisture ingress degrading optical components and electrical components
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure is divided into a housing and a separate hermetic seal assembly. The hermetic seal assembly includes a flange mounted to the housing and a separate hermetic seal member with a compressible gasket that interfaces with the flange, creating a hermetic barrier. This segmentation allows the sealing function to be independently optimized and replaced without redesigning the entire enclosure.
Solution Approach 2:
A hermetic seal member acts as an intermediary between the housing and the external environment. This seal member includes a compressible gasket that physically blocks moisture and contaminants from entering the enclosure while allowing the enclosure to maintain its structural integrity and optical component functionality.
2Reliability
If traditional sealing methods are used, then the device complexity remains low, but the reliability worsens due to ineffective sealing against moisture and condensation
Solution Approach 1:
The hermetic seal member incorporates a compressible gasket that functions as a flexible sealing element. This gasket deforms under compression to fill gaps and irregularities between mating surfaces, ensuring a hermetic seal that prevents moisture ingress while being cost-effective to manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing mechanism utilizes changes in the physical parameters of the compressible gasket, specifically its compression set and elastic recovery properties. By selecting materials with appropriate durometer ratings and cross-sectional geometries, the gasket maintains sealing effectiveness across temperature and humidity variations without requiring complex active sealing systems.
3Reliability
If hermetically sealed enclosure is implemented, then the reliability is improved by preventing moisture ingress, but the device complexity increases due to the sharp edge and soft metal track combination
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system combines dissimilar materials with complementary properties: a rigid housing material (metal or plastic), a compliant hermetic seal member material (elastomer or rubber), and a soft metal track material (such as copper or aluminum). This composite approach leverages the strength of rigid materials and the sealing capability of compliant materials to create an effective hermetic barrier.
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosure structure incorporates localized features with specific properties: a sharp edge feature on the housing that concentrates compressive force, a soft metal track with specific hardness and ductility properties that deforms to accommodate the sharp edge, and a hermetic seal member with tailored cross-sectional geometry. Each local feature is optimized for its specific function within the sealing system.
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 hermetically sealed enclosure extends the usable life of optical devices in humid or wet conditions by protecting them from moisture and physical shock, while maintaining efficient use of space and reducing the risk of electrical contact failure.
Implementation Method 1
urging the hollow body against the planar member to form the hermetic seal
Implementation Method 2
providing an electromagnetic interference shield
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a planar member having a first planar surface, a hollow body having first and second end openings, and a window. The planar member is configured to receive a device mounted on the first planar surface and surrounded by at least a track of a first material having a first hardness affixed to the first planar surface. The hollow body has a sharp edge at the second end along a planar section of the hollow body. The hollow body comprises a second material with a second hardness equal to or greater than the first hardness. The window encloses the hollow body first end forming an enclosure interior region configured to surround the device. The window provides the transmission of light into or out of the interior region. The hollow body second end is urged against the first material to form a hermetically sealed enclosure around the device.