Core-Sheath Window Waterproof Structure for Display Housing Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Portable electronic devices worn on the wrist or hung on the neck are susceptible to water and sweat penetration, compromising their operable state.

Innovation Solution

A waterproof structure is implemented in the electronic device, featuring a window waterproof member with an inner core and outer sheath made of elastic materials to seal apertures and prevent water ingress, combined with specific designs for speaker, microphone, and air vent holes to maintain functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a waterproof structure is added to prevent water ingress, then water resistance is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater resistanceVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible waterproof film that can be stretched and deformed to create effective seals around apertures. This thin film approach provides waterproofing without requiring complex rigid structures, thus improving water resistance while minimizing the increase in device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The waterproof structure is divided into separate functional components: a waterproof film for sealing, a reinforcing member for structural support, and grommet structures for aperture protection. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall structure manageable and not excessively complex

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If elastic waterproof materials are used to seal apertures, then waterproof function is improved, but structural stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaterproof functionVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines elastic waterproof materials with rigid reinforcing members to create a composite structure. The elastic material provides the necessary flexibility for sealing and deformation, while the rigid reinforcing member maintains structural stability and prevents excessive deformation, thus resolving the contradiction between waterproof flexibility and structural stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The waterproof film is nested within a reinforcing member structure, where the flexible sealing layer is positioned inside the rigid supporting framework. This nested arrangement allows the elastic material to perform its sealing function through deformation while the outer rigid structure maintains overall structural stability and shape

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 waterproof structure ensures the device remains operational by effectively preventing water and moisture ingress, maintaining a stable physical state under pressure.

Implementation Method 1

a window waterproof member (300) disposed between the housing (101) and the external protective member (131), comprising an inner core (310) and an outer sheath (320) surrounding at least a portion of the inner core (310), wherein the outer sheath (320) is formed of an elastic material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3475767B1Electronic device including waterproof structure
Publication Date: 2025.07.30 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3475767B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3475767B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3475767B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3c

AI summary

An electronic device includes a display, an upper housing surrounding at least a portion of a periphery of the display, a lower housing coupled to the upper housing, and a window waterproof member disposed between at least a portion of a periphery of the display and the upper housing to seal an aperture between the upper housing and the display. The window waterproof member includes an inner core having a specific strength, and an outer sheath having a specific elasticity, and an outer peripheral surface of which contacts at least part of the upper housing and an inner peripheral surface of which contacts at least part of the display while the outer sheath surrounding at least a portion of the inner core.