Threadless Clamping Structure for Waterproof Electronic Enclosures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional waterproof screws for electronic devices suffer from reduced waterproof performance due to wear of coated materials from repeated fastening and require costly threaded posts for assembly, increasing manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A clamping structure using a waterproof elastic component that compresses between the object and a head portion, eliminating the need for screw locking and coated materials, allowing for improved waterproof performance and reduced manufacturing costs by using a threadless structure with a guide groove and position-limiting features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a waterproof screw with coated material is used, then waterproof function is achieved, but the waterproof performance deteriorates due to wear from repeated fastening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the waterproof coating from the screw surface and extracts the waterproofing function to a separate elastomeric component that is integrated into the fastening system. This eliminates the wear problem of coated materials while maintaining waterproof performance through the elastomeric seal between the screw head and the workpiece.
Solution Approach 2:
An elastomeric component serves as an intermediary between the metal screw and the workpiece surface, providing the waterproof sealing function. This mediator absorbs the wear and deformation that would otherwise affect the metal screw's waterproof coating, extending the service life of the waterproof performance.
2Ease of manufacture
If a threaded post is disposed on the casing by thermal melting for fastening, then the screw can be fastened to the casing, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the threaded post structure from the casing and extracts the fastening function to the screw itself through direct thread engagement. This eliminates the need for thermal melting processes and reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining fastening capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the thermal melting process with a mechanical threading system. Instead of using heat to create attachment points, the screw threads mechanically engage directly with holes in the casing, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing costs.
3Strength
If a conventional waterproof screw is used, then fastening function is achieved, but the waterproof material wears easily causing reduction in waterproof performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite structure combining a metal screw body for strength with an elastomeric component for waterproofing. The elastomeric material provides superior wear resistance and maintains its sealing properties over time, while the metal screw provides the necessary fastening strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter of the waterproofing element from a hard coated material to a soft elastomeric material. This parameter change allows the waterproofing surface to deform and conform to the workpiece surface, maintaining reliable sealing even under vibration and wear conditions.
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 clamping structure effectively prevents liquid ingress with improved durability and assembly capabilities, reducing manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for threaded posts and coated materials, while maintaining robust waterproof performance.
Implementation Method 1
a waterproof elastic component (130) adapted to prevent outside liquid from entering the object (110)
Implementation Method 2
the bump is positioned at the containing space by elastic force of the elastic component
Data Source
AI summary
A clamping structure includes an object, a clamping component and an elastic component. The object has a hole and a containing space, wherein the containing space is connected to the hole. The clamping component includes a pillar, a bump and a head portion, wherein the bump and the head portion are connected to the pillar, and the pillar is adapted to be inserted into the hole and rotated such that the bump moves to the containing space. When the bump is located in the containing space, the elastic component is compressed between the object and the head portion, and the bump is positioned at the containing space by elastic force of the elastic component, such that the clamping component is fastened to the object.