Elastomeric chassis suspension for electronic devices

摘要

Novel tools and techniques are described for protecting an electronic device. In one aspect, an electronic device might comprise a housing defining an open front face, a chassis disposed within the housing, a panel disposed within the open front face of the housing and supported on the chassis, and an elastomeric overmold surrounding at least a portion of a perimeter of the panel and disposed between at least a portion of the chassis and at least a portion of the housing. In some cases, the overmold might be configured to provide a perimeter seal around the panel and to deform upon a frontal impact to the panel or housing. The overmold might be configured to prevent intrusion of liquids or particulates within the electronic device. In another aspect, a protective housing, which might comprise the housing, the chassis, and the overmold, may be provided for protecting a stand-alone electronic device.

主权项

1. An electronic device, comprising:
a housing defining an open front face; a chassis disposed within the housing, the chassis being in communication with the housing though a rib and slot interface, and the chassis being affixed to the housing with a tab and notch interface, both the rib and slot interface and the tab and notch interface defining a tolerance between the chassis and the housing in a vector substantially normal to the open front face; a panel disposed within the open front face of the housing and affixed to the chassis; and a deformable elastomer overmold surrounding a perimeter of the panel and disposed between at least a portion of the chassis and at least a portion of the housing, the overmold being configured to provide a perimeter seal around the panel and to deform upon a frontal impact to the panel, allowing compliance between the chassis and the housing to the extent of the tolerance; wherein the chassis comprises a lip around an outer perimeter thereof, wherein the deformable elastomer overmold includes a U-shaped structure configured to fit around the lip.