Vented Waterproof Touch Screen Panel with Filtered Vent
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touch screen panels for wet environments, such as spas and hot tubs, are expensive due to the need for specialized waterproof construction of the LCD/touch screen assembly, and previous methods have been ineffective in protecting ordinary LCD and touch screen switches from moisture intrusion.
Innovation Solution
A protective film is applied over the touch screen to prevent moisture intrusion, and the LCD/touch screen assembly is positioned in a housing that uses conventional sealing materials and a vent with a filter to allow air and water vapor passage while blocking solid water, ensuring the panel remains waterproof from all directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If specialized waterproof construction is used for the LCD/touch screen assembly, then moisture protection is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The waterproofing function is segmented into two independent parts: a protective film applied to the touch screen surface and a sealed housing structure. This allows the LCD/touch screen assembly to use conventional, non-specialized construction while still achieving waterproof protection through the combination of the film and housing seal.
Solution Approach 2:
A protective film is introduced as an intermediary layer between the touch screen and the external environment. This film serves as a mediator that provides moisture protection without requiring specialized waterproof construction of the LCD/touch screen assembly itself, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If a protective film is applied over the touch screen, then moisture protection is improved, but touch screen activation may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
A thin, flexible protective film is applied over the touch screen surface. The film is designed to be thin enough and flexible enough to allow normal touch screen activation while providing moisture protection. The flexibility ensures that the film conforms to the touch screen surface and responds to user input without interfering with activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The thickness and material properties of the protective film are carefully controlled to maintain specific parameters that allow touch activation. By adjusting the film thickness and material characteristics, the system achieves both moisture protection and preserved touch sensitivity, resolving the contradiction between protection and operation.
3Reliability
If the housing is sealed to protect against moisture, then moisture protection is improved, but air pressure equalization is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
A vent with a filter is incorporated into the sealed housing. The filter acts as a porous material that allows air and water vapor to pass through while blocking solid water (rain, spray). This enables the housing to remain sealed against moisture while still allowing air pressure equalization through the porous filter medium.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure has different properties in different locations: the main housing body is sealed to provide moisture protection, while the vent area contains a filter that provides selective permeability. This local differentiation allows the housing to simultaneously achieve both moisture protection and air pressure equalization.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional sealing materials are used in the housing, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but moisture protection effectiveness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The waterproofing function is segmented between a protective film applied to the touch screen and conventional sealing materials used in the housing. This segmentation allows the use of inexpensive, conventional sealing materials in the housing while the protective film provides the critical moisture protection for the touch screen, maintaining effectiveness without increasing manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective film is designed as a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily applied and replaced if needed. This disposable-like approach uses a low-cost film rather than expensive specialized waterproof construction, maintaining moisture protection effectiveness while minimizing manufacturing cost.
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 protects the touch screen from moisture, maintaining functionality and reliability in wet environments without the need for expensive waterproof construction, and addresses pressure issues in hot environments by equalizing air pressure, preventing performance malfunctions and delamination.
Implementation Method 1
The vent is covered by a filter which blocks transfer of solid water, but allows air and water vapor to pass
Data Source
AI summary
A waterproof user interface panel includes an electronic display assembly having a touch sensitive surface for activation of touch switches, and a housing including a cutout area. A protective film is disposed over the assembly and secured to the housing. The housing includes a top surface, a bottom surface and a peripheral sidewall to define a housing cavity. Sealing material covers the bottom surface, with a void between the top surface of the sealing material and the electronic display assembly. A vent is provided between the void and the external environment to allow air to pass. A filter may be positioned in the vent to prevent the passage of water droplets through the filter while allowing the passage of air and water vapor.