Spring Latch Door Seal for Liquid Ingress Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Computers, particularly laptops, are vulnerable to water ingress due to the failure of living hinge mechanisms in rugged environments, and traditional gaskets are ineffective in sealing narrow openings without compressing against components, leading to potential damage from liquids.

Innovation Solution

A computer door with a spring latch mechanism and a chamfered edge layer of resilient material, such as natural butyl rubber, that seals against the inner surface of recessed openings, allowing for bidirectional movement and automatic locking to prevent liquid ingress without enlarging the opening size, ensuring the door remains flush with the computer casing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional gasket is used to seal the opening, then liquid ingress is prevented, but the gasket may roll or tear due to angled or shear compression forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidgasket durability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of having the gasket compress against the door (traditional approach), the patent inverts the sealing mechanism by having the door's chamfered edge deflect and compress the gasket against the recessed opening's inner surface. This reversal of the compression direction eliminates angled or shear forces on the gasket, preventing rolling and tearing while maintaining sealing effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If the opening size is enlarged to accommodate a seal, then sealing is improved, but the door cannot remain flush with the computer casing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidflush surface

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a recessed opening that extends inward from the computer casing surface, adding a depth dimension to the sealing structure. This allows the gasket to be compressed against the inner surface of the recessed opening, enabling effective sealing without enlarging the external footprint and maintaining a flush door surface with the casing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If living hinge mechanisms are used in laptop doors, then door functionality is achieved, but the hinges fail over time in rugged environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor functionalityVSAvoidhinge durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical living hinge system with a magnetically coupled closure mechanism. Magnets embedded in the door and closure mechanism provide the necessary holding force and guidance without requiring physical hinge connections, eliminating the failure point of traditional living hinges in rugged environments while maintaining door functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If compression force is applied to seal the gasket, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but components inside the recessed opening may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidcomponent damage from compression

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the door's chamfered edge as an intermediary element that transfers the compression force. The chamfered edge deflects upon contact with the recessed opening's inner surface, converting the compression force into a controlled deflection that compresses the gasket against the inner surface without directly transmitting damaging forces to components within the recessed opening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution effectively seals against water and other liquids at pressures up to 40 psi and flow rates of 4 inches per hour, maintaining a secure closure even in harsh conditions, reducing the risk of damage and maintaining a flush surface, while minimizing weight and manufacturing complexity.

Implementation Method 1

a spring having a first end connected to the bar and a second end connected to the door for biasing the bar in the first direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

closing the door causes the chamfered edge to contact a surface that is perpendicular to the layer of material and deflect the chamfered edge. Deflection of the chamfered edge may cause the layer of material to seal the opening

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Deformation

Data Source

PatentUS8757674B2System, method and apparatus for door latching using a spring latch

Publication Date: 2014.06.24 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

A system for preventing ingress of liquid into an opening in a computer casing may include a door rotatably connected to the computer casing, a layer of material adhered to the door and having a chamfered edge, a bar movably connected to the computer casing and operable for travel in a first direction or a second direction opposite the first direction and a spring having a first end connected to the bar and a second end connected to the computer casing for biasing the bar in the first direction of travel. Closing the door causes the layer of material to contact a recessed surface of the opening and deflect the chamfered edge to form a seal in the recessed opening. Moving the bar in the first direction retains the door relative to the computer to maintain the seal formed by the layer of material.