Waterproof Plate Sealing for Electronic Device Cases
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door assembly methods for electronic devices with waterproof connectors are prone to reliability issues due to imprecise assembly of rubber O-rings, which can lead to waterproof failure, especially under temperature variations or long use.
Innovation Solution
A waterproof structure comprising a casing, a lid, and a securing element with a snap engaging portion and a waterproof plate, where the waterproof plate is demountably mounted on the lid, ensuring tight contact with the casing's waterproof wall, and is made from resilient and rigid materials respectively, allowing for easy assembly and quick replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rubber O-ring is used for waterproofing, then waterproofing can be achieved, but assembly precision deteriorates due to stretching and fitting errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the waterproofing function from the traditional O-ring and transfers it to a waterproof plate with a sealing edge. The waterproof plate is a rigid structure that eliminates the need for stretching and manual fitting, thereby resolving the assembly precision issue while maintaining waterproofing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from flexible rubber (O-ring) to rigid plastic (waterproof plate). This parameter change transforms the waterproofing mechanism from elastic deformation-based sealing to rigid geometric sealing, eliminating assembly errors associated with stretching rubber.
2Reliability
If a rubber O-ring is used, then waterproofing is achieved, but durability deteriorates due to loosening from temperature variation and long use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material from elastomeric rubber to rigid plastic, which has superior dimensional stability and resistance to degradation from temperature cycling and aging. This parameter change directly addresses the durability issue by eliminating the loosening problem inherent in rubber O-rings.
Solution Approach 2:
The waterproof plate is made from a composite structure combining rigid plastic for structural stability with a resilient sealing edge for waterproofing. This composite approach maintains the waterproofing function while eliminating the durability issues of pure rubber O-rings.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the waterproof plate is made from different materials (resilient and rigid), then functionality is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the resilient sealing portion and the rigid structural portion into a single integrally formed waterproof plate. This combining eliminates the need for separate manufacturing and assembly of different components, thereby maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving the functional benefits of both material types.
Solution Approach 2:
The waterproof plate utilizes composite material properties within a single component, combining rigid plastic for structural support and resilient material for sealing. This integrated composite design achieves enhanced functionality without increasing manufacturing complexity, as the composite structure is formed in a single molding process.
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 solution enhances the reliability and durability of the waterproofing by eliminating assembly errors and allowing for easy replacement of the waterproof plate, maintaining effective sealing even under varying conditions and long-term use.
Implementation Method 1
The waterproof plate is made of a resilient material in order to be tightly engaged with the waterproof wall
Data Source
AI summary
A device with waterproof structure includes a case, a waterproof cover, and a fixed element. The case has an opening and a waterproof wall surrounding the opening. The waterproof cover is screwed to the case and is selectively covered or moved away from the opening. The fixed element includes a fixed portion and a waterproof plate. The waterproof plate covers the outer edge and one side surface of the fixed portion. The fixed element is detachably disposed to the waterproof cover through the fixed portion. When the waterproof cover covers on the opening, the outer edge of the waterproof plate is close contacted to the waterproof wall. Therefore, using the waterproof plate which could close contact to the waterproof wall to replace the O-ring also could achieve the purpose of waterproofing.