Waterproof Light Guiding Column with Interference Seal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices with light indicators face issues of water ingress due to gaps between light guiding components and cases, leading to damage of internal components, and current waterproofing solutions increase manufacturing costs and assembly complexity.

Innovation Solution

A light guiding column with a waterproofing function is designed, featuring a first end portion that passes through a case in a tight-fitting manner and a second end portion clamped between the case and a base plate, using a resilient and light guiding material like silicone rubber to form a chamber for the light emitting component, eliminating the need for additional waterproofing components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a waterproofing washer or waterproofing glue is used to prevent liquid ingress, then waterproofing reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewaterproofing reliabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the waterproofing function with the light guiding column by forming an interference structure directly on the light guiding column's surface. This eliminates the need for separate waterproofing washers or glue, thereby reducing assembly complexity while maintaining waterproofing reliability. The light guiding column simultaneously performs light guidance and waterproofing functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The light guiding column is designed to serve multiple functions: it guides light from the light emitting component and simultaneously provides waterproofing through its interference structure with the through hole. This multi-functional design reduces the total number of components needed, simplifying assembly while ensuring both optical and protective functions are achieved.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a waterproofing washer or waterproofing glue is used to prevent liquid ingress, then waterproofing reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewaterproofing reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The waterproofing function is integrated into the light guiding column itself through the interference structure, eliminating the need for additional waterproofing components such as washers or glue. This reduces the bill of materials and manufacturing cost while maintaining effective waterproofing through the tight-fitting interference structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If a tight-fitting light guiding column is used to prevent liquid ingress, then waterproofing reliability is improved, but assembly difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewaterproofing reliabilityVSAvoidassembly difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The interference structure is localized to specific portions of the light guiding column's outer surface, creating tight-fitting engagement points without requiring the entire column to be tightly forced into place. This localized approach maintains waterproofing reliability at critical interfaces while reducing overall assembly difficulty.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

This configuration effectively prevents liquid ingress while reducing manufacturing costs and assembly complexity by integrating waterproofing within the light guiding column, ensuring reliable light guidance and component protection.

Implementation Method 1

a light guiding column with a waterproofing function for guiding light emitted from a light emitting component to outside of a case

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Implementation Method 2

a light guiding component for guiding the light emitted from the light emitting component to the outside of the case

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 3

using a resilient and light guiding material like silicone rubber to form a chamber for the light emitting component

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11313550B2Light guiding column with a waterproofing function, electronic device with the light guiding column, method of manufacturing the light guiding column

Publication Date: 2022.04.26 MOXA INC

AI summary

A light guiding column is with a waterproofing function and for guiding light emitted from a light emitting component to outside of a case. The light emitting component is disposed on a base plate. The base plate is disposed inside the case. The light guiding column includes a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion passes through a through hole formed on the case in a tight-fitting manner. The second end portion is opposite to the first end portion and clamped between the base plate and the case in a tight-fitting manner. A chamber is formed between the second end portion and the base plate, and the light emitting component is accommodated inside the chamber. The present invention can reduce an amount of components for assembly to reduce manufacturing cost and difficulty in assembly.