Electronic Shelf Label Sealing Structure for Slim Waterproof Housing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic shelf labels are vulnerable to moisture and require improved waterproofing, durability, and structural integrity, while existing advertising methods lack real-time interaction with customers.

Innovation Solution

The electronic shelf label incorporates a sealing member on the rear cover to enhance waterproofing, with a slim design that separates the display module and printed circuit board from the battery, and allows user input for product-related content display.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a sealing member is added to enhance waterproofing, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovewaterproofingVSAvoidstructure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing member is integrated into the housing structure, forming a nested configuration where the sealing member is positioned within grooves or channels of the housing components. This nesting approach allows the sealing function to be incorporated without adding external protrusions or significant structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing member is designed as a flexible element that can deform to accommodate manufacturing tolerances and assembly variations. This flexibility allows effective sealing without requiring precision-machined interfaces or complex sealing mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Length of moving object

If the electronic shelf label is designed to be slim, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the internal space for components is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovethicknessVSAvoidinternal space
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The internal space is segmented into distinct functional zones: a first internal space for moisture-sensitive components (display module and PCB) and a second internal space for the battery. This segmentation allows efficient packing of components within the slim profile while maintaining proper spacing and protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The battery is positioned in a second internal space that extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the display module, utilizing the thickness dimension efficiently. This vertical stacking arrangement maximizes component placement within the constrained slim profile.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If the display module and PCB are separated from the battery, then reliability is improved through moisture protection, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemoisture protectionVSAvoidcomponent arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The internal space is divided into a first internal space containing the display module and PCB, and a second internal space containing the battery. This segmentation physically separates moisture-sensitive components from potential moisture sources while maintaining a compact integrated structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The housing structure serves as an intermediary barrier between the display module/PCB and the battery, providing both structural support and moisture protection. The housing includes sealing members that mediate the protection against moisture ingress.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4693257A1Electronic shelf label comprising sealing member
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 SOLUM CO LTD
  • EP4693257A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4693257A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4693257A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

One embodiment provides an electronic shelf label comprising: a window; a main case coupled to the rear of the window; a display module provided in a first internal space formed between the rear of the window and the main case and displaying product information; a printed circuit board provided in the first internal space to be electrically connected to the display module; a rear cover coupled to the rear of the main case, a battery provided in a second internal space formed between the main case and the rear cover; and a sealing member provided on a side of the rear cover.