Submersible Display Locking Ring Deformation Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Submersible electronic devices face challenges in combining materials with incompatible reactions and deformations under high pressure, requiring the sacrifice of one material for another to function effectively, and there is a need for a simple and effective assembly method that maintains usability without degrading the device.
Innovation Solution
A water-tight submersible electronic device design featuring a case, bezel, and transparent material like glass, where the glass is separated and locked by a locking ring that absorbs deformations, with additional components like gaskets and shock-absorbing materials to isolate the glass from the bezel, and an optically clear adhesive mounts the electronic display for optimal viewing and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different materials are mixed in submersible devices to achieve desired functionality, then device functionality is improved, but material compatibility under pressure deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate pressure zones using partition walls and isolation structures. Different materials (glass, metal, plastic) are placed in isolated compartments that can deform independently, preventing stress concentration at material interfaces while maintaining overall device functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Flexible sealants and shock-absorbing materials are introduced as intermediary substances between incompatible materials. These intermediaries absorb differential expansion and contraction forces, allowing glass displays, metal cases, and plastic components to coexist without mutual interference under pressure.
2Reliability
If materials are selected for optimal performance under pressure, then pressure resistance is improved, but ease of assembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Flexible sealants and shock-absorbing materials are pre-installed in grooves and channels before final component assembly. This preliminary action simplifies the assembly process by eliminating the need for precise alignment and complex sealing procedures during final assembly, while ensuring optimal pressure resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
Flexible sealant layers are used as simple-to-install components that provide both sealing and shock-absorbing functions. These flexible films can be easily applied to surfaces and automatically conform to pressure-induced deformations, combining pressure resistance with assembly simplicity.
3Strength
If rigid structures are used to maintain device integrity, then structural strength is improved, but shock resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Shock-absorbing materials are strategically placed at potential impact points and between rigid components before assembly. This beforehand cushioning protects rigid structural elements from shock forces, preventing stress concentration and crack propagation while maintaining overall structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs composite construction combining rigid materials (for structural strength) with flexible shock-absorbing materials (for impact protection). This composite approach allows the device to maintain structural integrity under normal conditions while dissipating shock forces through the flexible components.
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 provides improved shock resistance and hydrostatic pressure resistance, allowing different materials to coexist under pressure while maintaining a water-tight connection and enabling flexible assembly, ensuring the device's usability and visibility of the display.
Implementation Method 1
The locking ring can be capable of absorbing the different deformations of the transparent material and the material of the bezel under pressure
Implementation Method 2
Additional components, such as a gasket and/or shock absorbent material can be used to completely isolate the transparent material from the bezel
Implementation Method 3
an electronic display can be mounted to the transparent material with an optically clear adhesive
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed herein a water tight submersible electronic device, such as a dive computer or a dive watch, comprising a case, a bezel, and glass through which a display can be viewed. The glass, case and bezel can all be different materials. The bezel is affixed to the case, in a permanent or removable manner, and has an opening for the glass and an electronic display. The electronic display is positioned under the glass and within the electronic device. For example, the glass is separated from and locked to the bezel by at least a locking ring, a shock absorber and/or a gasket. As such the glass can be free floating so that it and the bezel can deform under pressure without being damaged or causing damage to each other while maintaining a water tight connection.