Flexible Woven Shell for Electronic Devices Impact Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional one-piece moulded shells for electronic devices are prone to scratches, dents, and deformation, and fail to accommodate non-uniform components efficiently, leading to wasted space and increased manufacturing complexity and cost.

Innovation Solution

A flexible woven shell with a connecting part and snap-fit attachment mechanism, featuring a woven member made of interwoven metal or non-metallic wires, which provides improved resilience and adaptability, along with arc-shaped transition surfaces and crimping grooves for secure attachment and aesthetic appeal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a one-piece moulded shell is used, then the shell provides structural integrity and simplicity, but it is easily scratched, worn, dented or deformed during use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidresistance to scratches, wear, dents
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a flexible woven shell made of interwoven metal or non-metallic wires that can elastically deform to absorb impacts and resist scratches and dents while maintaining structural integrity through the interconnected wire structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a composite structure combining a rigid support frame with a flexible woven shell covering, creating a hybrid material system that provides both structural strength and damage resistance through the combination of rigid and flexible components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If a one-piece moulded shell is used to accommodate non-uniform components, then all components must be enclosed, but this results in wasted interior space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccommodation of non-uniform componentsVSAvoidinterior space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible woven shell can dynamically adapt its shape to accommodate non-uniform components and main board bulges without requiring a fixed oversized structure, allowing the shell to conform to the actual component layout and maximize interior space utilization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If slots or openings are formed in a one-piece shell to accommodate keys and buttons, then functionality is achieved, but the process complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctionality for keys and buttonsVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shell is segmented into a rigid support structure and a flexible woven covering, allowing keys and buttons to be integrated into the rigid support without requiring complex slot formation in the shell, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 flexible woven shell effectively reduces damage from wear and impacts, adapts to component variations, simplifies assembly, and lowers production costs while maintaining a cosmetic appeal.

Implementation Method 1

the elastic woven shell is capable of effectively avoiding damage and dents in the shell caused by a bumps, impacts, or wear

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the connecting part may have an adhesive surface, and the woven member is bonded to the adhesive surface of the connecting part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 3

The mounting part includes a crimping groove configured to engage the rigid support of the connecting part in a locking manner

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical interlocking: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP3331225B1Electronic device shell and electronic device having the same
Publication Date: 2020.09.02 BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO LTD
  • EP3331225B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3331225B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~4

AI summary

Provided is an electronic device shell and an electronic device including the same. According to one or more embodiments, the shell may include a main body and a connecting part provided on the main body. The electronic device includes a mounting part that is configured to form a fixed connection to the connecting part. The main body is a woven member. The shell of the electronic device is configured for good flexibility and resilience. In this way, damage and depression of the shell due to a bump during use may be reduced effectively without using a complicated slotting process or occupying space to accommodate a local bulge of the electronic device.