Viscoelastic material for shock protection in an electronic device

摘要

This invention is directed to reducing the effect of shocks on electronic device components. The electronic device component may be surrounded by a boundary element operative to deform in response to impacts. By deforming, the boundary element may be operative to absorb energy received by the shock or impact without passing the energy on to the electronic device component. To maximize the effectiveness of the boundary element over a range of different impacts (e.g., strong, instantaneous impacts and weak impacts over time), a viscoelastic material may be used. The characteristic properties of the viscoelastic material may be selected based on expected impacts to the electronic device component.

主权项

1. An electronic device comprising:
a housing; a component positioned within the housing; and a boundary element comprising a plurality of layers positioned within the housing adjacent to the component, each of the plurality of layers providing a shock response characteristic different from that of other layers; wherein the combination of the plurality of layers reduces the effects of shock events of varying magnitude on the component; and the component positioned adjacent the boundary element is operative to move in at least one direction within the housing during the shock events.