Sheet Member Sealed Electronic Device Module Waterproofing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices, such as small-sized calculators and watches, lack waterproof and dustproof protection, requiring the device module to be removed for washing, which complicates the design and user-friendliness.
Innovation Solution
A device module is enveloped in a sheet member to create a sealed, waterproof, and dustproof structure, allowing the module to be washed directly, eliminating the need for additional waterproofing in the device casing and simplifying the design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a protection cover is added to protect the device module, then the device module is protected from damage, but the device module loses waterproof and dustproof properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the protection cover and the sheet member into a single integrated protective structure. The sheet member is attached to the protection cover to form a combined assembly that simultaneously provides mechanical protection and waterproof/dustproof sealing, eliminating the need to choose between protection and sealing properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheet member is positioned within or on the protection cover, creating a nested structure where the sheet member fits into the protection cover assembly. This nested arrangement allows the sheet member to provide waterproof and dustproof sealing while the protection cover provides mechanical protection, with both functions operating together in a compact integrated structure.
2Reliability
If the device module is made waterproof and dustproof, then the device can be washed with water, but the device casing structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the waterproofing function from the device casing structure and relocates it to the sheet member that is attached to the protection cover. By taking out the waterproofing requirement from the overall device casing design, the casing itself can remain simple while the sheet member provides the necessary sealing for the device module.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheet member attached to the protection cover creates a self-contained waterproof assembly that protects the device module independently. This self-service approach allows the device module to be waterproofed through its own protective assembly rather than requiring the entire device casing to be designed as waterproof, thereby simplifying the overall casing structure.
3Reliability
If additional waterproofing structures are added to the device casing, then waterproofing is achieved, but the design and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a sheet member, which is a thin film structure, to provide waterproofing for the device module. This thin film approach is simpler to manufacture than rigid waterproofing structures, as sheet members can be easily attached to the protection cover using conventional bonding methods, thereby reducing design and manufacturing complexity while achieving reliable waterproofing.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a device module. The device module includes: a key input portion; a display portion; a power supply portion; a circuit board, wherein the key input portion, the display portion and the power supply portion are mounted on and electrically connected to the circuit board; and a sheet member, wherein the key input portion, the display portion, the power supply portion and the circuit board are enveloped in and sealed with the sheet member.