Waterproof-Ventilation Adhesive Layer for Wearable Electronics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wearable electronic devices face challenges in maintaining a balance between ventilation and waterproofing, as ventilation holes can allow water and moisture to enter, causing damage from changing air pressure and moisture concentration.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an adhesive member with multiple layers, including a waterproof-ventilation layer, between the housing and front/rear plates to facilitate gas exchange while preventing liquid ingress, thereby eliminating the need for additional ventilation holes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If ventilation holes are provided in the housing, then ventilation function is improved, but waterproofing performance deteriorates as water and moisture can enter

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveventilation functionVSAvoidwaterproofing performance

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive member includes a porous waterproof-ventilation layer that allows gas molecules to pass through while blocking liquid water. The porous structure enables ventilation function through gas exchange, while the hydrophobic properties of the porous material prevent water penetration, thus resolving the contradiction between ventilation and waterproofing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The adhesive member is constructed as a composite structure with multiple layers including a waterproof-ventilation layer combined with adhesive layers. This composite design integrates the ventilation capability of porous materials with the bonding function of adhesives, achieving both ventilation and waterproofing simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Temperature

If additional ventilation holes are made, then gas exchange is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas exchangeVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it bonds the plate to the housing, provides waterproofing through its hydrophobic properties, and enables ventilation through its porous structure. By making the adhesive member multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate ventilation holes, reducing structural complexity while maintaining gas exchange capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the ventilation function and waterproofing function into a single adhesive member component. The waterproof-ventilation layer is integrated directly into the adhesive member structure, combining what would traditionally require separate components (ventilation holes and waterproof sealing) into one unified element

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 effectively prevents moisture and foreign substances from entering while allowing gas to pass through, maintaining the device's integrity and functionality without additional ventilation holes.

Implementation Method 1

the adhesive member may include at least one waterproof-ventilation layer to perform a ventilation function and a waterproof function

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPorous material filtration: Porosity

Implementation Method 2

at least one waterproof-ventilation layer to perform a ventilation function and a waterproof function

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrophobic barrier: Hydrophobe

Data Source

PatentUS11553608B2Wearable electronic device including ventilation and waterproof structure

Publication Date: 2023.01.10 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

Provided is an electronic device including a housing, a plate coupled to one surface of the housing, and an adhesive member at least partially disposed in a coupling portion between the housing and the plate and including a plurality of layers. The adhesive member includes at least one waterproof-ventilation layer to perform a ventilation function and a waterproof function.