Waterproof Member with Variable Support Layer Thickness
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waterproof sound-transmitting members for electronic devices face limitations in sound transmission characteristics and waterproofness, particularly due to the size reduction of electronic devices, and the challenge of maintaining both high sound transmission and waterproofness in the presence of water pressure.
Innovation Solution
A waterproof member comprising a waterproof membrane and a support layer with a joining region and a non-joining region, where the support layer has a thickness of 500 μm or less and an air resistance greater than 80,000 seconds/100 mL, enhancing sound transmission characteristics and waterproofness by limiting deformation and permanent deformation of the membrane under water pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane and support layer are selectively bonded to each other at peripheral portions, then the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane is protected from breaking due to water pressure, but the sound transmission characteristics are limited by the size of the member
Solution Approach 1:
The support layer is designed with different thicknesses in different regions: a first thickness in the bonded peripheral portion and a second thickness (500 μm or less) in the non-bonded central portion. This local variation allows the central region to vibrate freely for high sound transmission while the peripheral region provides structural support for waterproofness.
Solution Approach 2:
The support layer thickness is made variable rather than uniform, allowing different regions to have different mechanical properties. The thinner central region allows dynamic vibration for sound transmission, while the thicker peripheral region provides static structural support.
2Productivity
If the thickness of the support layer is reduced to improve sound transmission characteristics, then the sound transmission performance improves, but the strength and protection against water pressure deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support layer has a first thickness in the peripheral bonded portion and a second thickness (500 μm or less) in the central non-bonded portion. This local differentiation allows the central region to be thin for sound transmission while the peripheral region remains thick for structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The support layer is divided into functionally distinct regions with different thicknesses: a peripheral support region and a central sound transmission region. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other.
3Volume of moving object
If the support layer is made thinner to reduce device size, then the device size reduction is achieved, but the ability to prevent membrane deformation under water pressure is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The support layer thickness varies locally: thin (500 μm or less) in the central region for size reduction and sound transmission, and thicker in the peripheral bonded region for maintaining membrane stability under water pressure.
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 improves sound transmission characteristics and maintains high waterproofness even under water pressure, preventing water entry and maintaining sound quality in electronic devices, such as smart watches and smartphones.
Implementation Method 1
a waterproof membrane configured to prevent entry of water while permitting sound and/or gas to pass therethrough
Implementation Method 2
an air resistance in an in-plane direction of the support layer is greater than 80,000 seconds/100 mL
Data Source
AI summary
The waterproof member of the present disclosure includes a waterproof membrane configured to prevent entry of water while permitting sound and/or gas to pass therethrough, and a support layer having air permeability in a thickness direction thereof. The waterproof member has a joining region where the waterproof membrane and the support layer are joined, and a non-joining region where the waterproof membrane and the support layer are spaced apart from each other. The non-joining region is surrounded by the joining region when viewed in a direction perpendicular to a main surface of the waterproof membrane. A thickness of the support layer in the non-joining region is 500 μm or less. A spacing distance between the waterproof membrane and the support layer in the non-joining region is 150 μm or less. An air resistance in an in-plane direction of the support layer is greater than 80,000 seconds/100 mL.