Waterproof Membrane Barometer Detection for Electronic Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices with waterproof structures face challenges in detecting abnormal states such as submersion in water, damage, or contamination of waterproof membranes, which can affect their functionality and durability.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with a housing featuring a waterproof membrane and a barometer that detects changes in atmospheric pressure and vibration patterns caused by inaudible tones from a speaker, allowing for the detection of normal, submerged, damaged, or contaminated states, and notifying the user accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a waterproof membrane is used to protect the opening, then water protection is improved, but the ability to detect abnormal states (submersion, damage, contamination) deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewaterproof protectionVSAvoidabnormal state detection

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

A pressure-sensitive diaphragm is introduced as an intermediary between the waterproof membrane and the pressure sensor. The diaphragm transmits pressure changes from the external environment through the waterproof membrane to the sensor, enabling detection of submersion and abnormal states without compromising the waterproof protection. This mediator allows the system to sense external conditions while maintaining the integrity of the sealed enclosure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If motion sensors continue to operate when submerged, then functionality is maintained, but power consumption increases and damage risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor functionalityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure sensor provides feedback about the device's environmental state (submersion, normal operation) to the control system. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts sensor operation - stopping motion sensors when submersion is detected to conserve power and prevent damage, while maintaining full functionality during normal operation. This feedback mechanism enables dynamic adaptation to environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If the device operates in water, then usability is improved, but the risk of waterproof membrane damage and internal component harm increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater environment operationVSAvoidwater damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure sensor detects water submersion before significant water ingress can occur, triggering preliminary protective actions. The system stops motion sensors and alerts the user before water can penetrate and damage internal components. This preliminary detection and response prevents harmful effects from manifesting, allowing safe operation in water environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10852770B2Electronic device having a waterproof structure

Publication Date: 2020.12.01 CASIO COMPUTER CO LTD

AI summary

An electronic device having a waterproof structure includes a housing having a sound hole waterproofed by a waterproof membrane; an barometer which is arranged in the housing, determines data variable in response to a state of the waterproof membrane, and outputs the determined data; and a central controller which detects an abnormal state of the waterproof membrane based on atmospheric pressure data outputted from the barometer.