Systems and methods for providing buoyant electronic devices

Systems and methods for providing a buoyant portable device. The buoyant portable device, comprising a frame and layers disposed in the frame. The layers comprise a first layer spaced apart from a stack of densely packed second layers such that a hollow cavity filled with air resides between the first layer and second layers. The hollow cavity has a size/shape providing an overall density of the mobile device that is below a density of a liquid that the mobile device displaces when the mobile device is disposed in the liquid. The second layers comprise an electronic layer residing adjacent to a cover/display layer. The cover/display layer is configured to allow a user to interact with electronic components of the electronic layer and has an overall weight less than a combined weight of the frame and at least the first layer of the plurality of layers.

STATEMENT OF THE TECHNICAL FIELD

The present document concerns electronic devices. More specifically, the present document concerns systems and methods for providing buoyant electronic devices (e.g., communication devices).

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

There are many electronic devices known in the art. The electronic devices include communication devices such as portable phones (e.g., smart phone). Conventional portable phones are not designed to float in a body of water. Accessories exist to provide buoyancy to the portable phones. However, these accessories are expensive, can damage the portable phones, and take away from the overall look of the portable phones.

SUMMARY

This document concerns systems and methods for providing a buoyant portable device (e.g., a smart phone or computer). The buoyant portable device comprising a frame and a plurality of layers disposed in the frame. The plurality of layers comprises a first layer spaced apart from a stack of densely packed second layers such that a hollow cavity filled with air resides between the first layer and the stack of densely packed second layers. The hollow cavity has a size and shape providing an overall density of the buoyant portable device that is below a density of a liquid (e.g., water) that the buoyant portable device displaces when the buoyant portable device is disposed in the liquid. The stack of densely packed second layers comprises at least an electronic layer residing adjacent to a cover/display layer. The cover/display layer is (i) configured to allow a user to interact with electronic components of the electronic layer and (ii) has an overall weight less than a combined weight of the frame and at least the first layer of the plurality of layers.

It should be noted that a stable upward buoyant force is applied to the buoyant portable device when the buoyant portable device is disposed in the liquid that is larger than a weight of the buoyant portable device. In this regard, the first layer has a density equal to, less than or more than a density of the liquid. The hollow cavity may occupy 5% to 25% of a total volume of the buoyant portable device. In some scenarios, the hollow cavity may occupy more than 25% of the total volume of the buoyant portable device. The buoyant portable device is designed such that a center of gravity thereof will cause the buoyant portable device, when disposed in the liquid, to float horizontally on a surface of the liquid with the cover/display layer facing an upward direction and residing above the surface of the liquid. The center of gravity may be aligned with a vertical axis of the buoyant portable device and offset from a horizontal axis of the buoyant portable device. The vertical axis extends from the first layer to the cover/display layer. The horizontal axis extends perpendicular to the vertical axis.

In those or other scenarios, the electronic layer comprises a battery located between at least two spaced apart circuit boards. The battery may comprise a graphene-based battery. The cover/display layer may comprise a graphene-based cover/display or a cover (e.g., glass sheet) backed with a display (e.g., a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) screen, an Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) display screen, flexible-OLED display screen, plastic OLED display screen, graphene display screen or other type of display screen). The display can be attached to the cover via lamination or adhesive. The cover may include, but is not limited to, a piece of relatively thin glass with a layer of nano-fluid rubbed thereon for increasing its strength. The nano-fluid comprises nano-particles suspended in the fluid which can be dispensed via a dropper tool.

In those or other scenarios, the buoyant portable device has a balanced distribution of weight in a horizontal plane of the buoyant portable device at least partially defined by the cover/display layers. For example, the frame has a uniform thickness in the horizontal plane and the electronic layer has a balanced distribution of weight in the horizontal plane. Alternatively, the electronic layer has an unbalanced distribution of weight in the horizontal plane and the frame has a non-uniform thickness configured to balance a distribution of weight of the buoyant portable device in view of the unbalanced distribution of weight of the electronic layer. The non-uniform thickness of the frame may be provided by at least one detent or protrusion formed on an at least one sidewall of the frame.

In those or other scenarios, a size of the hollow cavity is variable. An internal motorized mechanism of the buoyant portable device is configured to cause a change in the size of the hollow cavity. Operations of the internal motorized mechanism may be enabled in response to a condition sensed by a sensor of the buoyant portable device. The condition can include, but is not limited to, a level or amount of the liquid in a surrounding environment, an amount of pressure being applied to the buoyant portable device by the liquid, a depth of the electronic device within the liquid, and/or an amount of time the electronic device is located at least partially in the liquid.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It will be readily understood that the solution described herein and illustrated in the appended figures could involve a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description, as represented in the figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure but is merely representative of certain implementations in different scenarios. While the various aspects are presented in the drawings, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale unless specifically indicated.

As noted above, there are many electronic devices known in the art. The electronic devices include communication devices such as portable phones (e.g., smart phone), portable computers, tablets, personal digital assistants, portable music players, portable gaming devices, handheld transceivers, portable two-way radios, portable electric machines (e.g., barcode scanners), portable electric tools (e.g., cordless tool), and other devices. Conventional portable phones are not designed to float in a body of water (e.g., a lake, a swimming pool, the ocean, etc.) and typically experience damage from water exposure or pressure when left in water for more than 30 minutes at a depth equal to or greater than 1 meter. Accessories exist to provide buoyancy to the portable phones. However, these accessories are expensive, can damage the portable phones, and take away from the overall look of the portable phones. The present invention provides a novel solution that overcomes the drawbacks of these portable phones and conventional accessories. For example, the portable phones of the present solution are designed such that they do not experience damage from water exposure or pressure when left in water for more than 30 minutes at any depth.

The present solution comprises electronic devices that are designed to have buoyancy without the need for any accessories. The electronic devices can float on the surface of a liquid (e.g., water) in a horizontal manner. This allows users to quickly locate and retrieve the electronic device when dropped or otherwise disposed in the liquid.

When the electronic device is dropped or otherwise disposed in liquid, its unique structure causes the body of liquid to create a stable upward buoyant force which is larger than the weight of the electronic device which results in the electronic device being lifted onto the surface of the liquid. The electronic device has a center of gravity that causes the electronic device (i) to float horizontally on the surface of liquid with the display screen facing in an upwards direction and (ii) to reside out of and/or above the surface of liquid.

Referring now toFIGS.1-3, there are provided illustrations of an electronic device100implementing the present solution. The electronic device100is shown as comprising a mobile phone. The present solution is not limited in this regard. The electronic device can include, but is not limited to, a smart phone, a portable computer, a tablet, a personal digital assistant, a portable music player, a portable gaming device, a handled transceiver, a portable two-way radio, a portable electric machine (e.g., barcode scanner), a portable electric tool (e.g., cordless tool), and/or any other mobile or portable device. The electronic device may also be referred to herein as a buoyant device, a buoyant portable device, and/or a buoyant mobile device.

The electronic device100implements the present solution. The present solution provides a means to protect users from losing the electronic device100when dropped or otherwise disposed in a body of liquid (e.g., a swimming pool, lake, river or sea). The unique structure of the electronic device100creates a buoyant force such that the electronic device floats to the liquid's surface horizontally. In effect, the user can easily see find and collect the electronic device100from the body of liquid. The unique structure also causes the body of liquid to create a relatively large upward buoyant force to (i) prevent mechanical damage to the electronic device100which could result from hitting a bottom surface, (ii) prevent the electronic device100from sinking to the bottom surface, and/or (iii) raise the electronic device100quickly to the liquid's surface. Buoyancy of the electronic device100ensures that components (e.g. vents and circuitry) of the electronic device100are not damaged due to liquid pressures in any type of body of liquid.

The electronic device100is designed to be at least partially submersed in liquid without any damage to the internal electronic components. The electronic components can include, but are not limited to, display(s)104, microphone(s)110, camera(s)114,302, speaker(s)128, connector(s)106, button(s)202-208, communication circuit(s)114, light(s)304(e.g., cameral flash and/or light emitting diodes), sensor(s)306(e.g., biometric sensor(s) and/or camera sensor(s)), power source(s) (e.g., rechargeable battery) and/or computing device(s). The electronic components are housed in a housing102of the electronic device100. The housing102can comprise any suitable material such as plastic, metal, and/or rubber.

Apertures116,118,120,122,124,126are formed in the housing102whereby at least some of the electronic components are at least partially exposed. For example, the display104is disposed in and/or adjacent to aperture120. A receiver114is disposed in and/or adjacent to aperture116. A camera112is disposed in and/or adjacent to aperture118. A microphone is disposed in and/or adjacent to aperture126, and a speaker128is disposed in and/or adjacent to apertures124. Apertures124can comprise vents for the speaker128. A connector106is disposed in and/or adjacent to aperture122. An environmental, liquid-tight and/or hermetic seal is provided between the housing100and each of the electronic components that reside in and/or adjacent to the apertures116-126. Any known or to be known sealing means can be used to provide the seals. The sealing means can include, but are not limited to, gasket(s), adhesive(s), epoxy(ies), rubber(s), membrane(s), glue(s), USB port jacket(s), stub(s), liquid tight mesh adhesive(s), and/or weld(s).

The electronic device100can include an internal rechargeable battery. The battery can be recharged via connector106. Connector106can mate with (i) a connector of a cord designed to be plugged into a wall socket and/or (ii) a connector of a docking station. The battery can additionally or alternatively be recharged via inductive charging. The battery can include, but is not limited to, graphene-based battery(ies) such as pure graphene battery(ies), graphene foam, graphene-metal oxide hybrid battery(ies), flexible graphene battery(ies) and/or graphene composite battery(ies). A graphene-based battery is lighter and slimmer than conventional batteries such as lithium-ion batteries. As such, the graphene-based battery(ies) facilitate(s) a reduction in an overall weight and thickness of the electronic device100thus improving buoyancy of the electronic device.

An illustrative graphene-based battery1700is shown inFIGS.17-19. The graphene-based battery1700comprises a housing1702with two terminals1704,1706extending therefrom. Two electrodes1802,1804are disposed inside the housing1704along with an electrolyte to facilitate ion transfer. Terminal1704is connected to an anode1802and terminal1706is connected to a cathode1804. The electrodes1802,1804are supported by a support member1800. The support member1800can be formed of plastic, reinforced plastic, polyester (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate (PET)), or other non-conductive material. At least the cathode1804is comprised of a composite-hybrid material containing a solid-state metallic material and graphene. The solid-state metallic material includes, but is not limited to, lithium ion, lithium sulfur, and/or lithium metal. The graphene facilitates longer charge retention by the battery1700and a longer life span of the battery. The graphene can be implemented as a single graphene sheet as shown inFIGS.17-19or a plurality of graphene sheets2002,2006,2010having a stacked arrangement as shown inFIG.20. In the latter case, the cathode may additionally comprise spacing layers2004,2008(e.g., carbon nanotubes and/or fullerenes) in between the graphene sheets to increase spacing therebetween. The increased spacing between graphene sheets provides extra cavities for solid-state metallic material to occupy, thereby increasing the capacity of the battery. The electrolyte can include, but is not limited to, a polymer electrolyte and/or other high conductivity material. The electrolyte can be in a semisolid (e.g., gel) or solid form. The battery has a length L, width Wand height H. For example, in portable phone scenarios, the battery has a length L between 75-95 mm, a width W between 55-75 mm, and a height H between 3-6 mm. These dimensions were not simply design choices. Significant research was performed to obtain ranges for L, Wand H that would allow for buoyancy of the portable phone while providing suitable battery performance and lifecycle. The present solution is not limited to the particulars of this example.

The buttons202-206can facilitate user control of certain parameters of the electronic device100. For example, button202allows user-software interactions for decreasing speaker volume, while button204allows user-software interactions for increasing speaker volume. Button206allows user-software interactions for turning on and off the electronic device100and/or light304. Button208facilitates ejection of a smart card (e.g., a SIM card). The smart card can comprise a unique identifier and/or other information associated with the user of the electronic device100. The electronic device is prevented from turning on or otherwise operating when the smart card is removed therefrom.

An exploded view of the electronic device100is provided inFIG.4. As shown inFIG.4, the electronic device100comprises a plurality of layers402-410. When assembled, the layers404-410have a closely (or densely) packed (or spaced), stacked arrangement as shown inFIG.5. The housing102comprises cover layers402,410and a frame412. The terms “closely packed”, “closely spaced”, “densely packed” or “densely spaced” as used herein each mean two objects are directly in contact with each other or adjacent to each other with no gap or a relatively small gap therebetween. The relatively small gap can include, but is not limited to, a gap with a height of ≤0.5 mm. Frame412is provided to structurally support and maintain layers402-410in the closely (or densely) packed, stacked arrangement. In this regard, frame412comprises a plurality of sidewalls420-426with top and bottom flanges428configured to respectively engage cover layers402,410and prevent the cover layers402,410from dislodging from the frame412. An environmental, liquid-tight and/or hermetic seal is provided between the cover layers402,410and the top and bottom flanges428. Any known or to be known sealing means can be used to provide the seals. The sealing means can include, but are not limited to, gasket(s), adhesive(s), epoxy(ies), rubber(s), and/or weld(s).

Layers404-408reside between the cover layers402,410and are therefore also referred to herein as intermediate layers. The intermediate layers include a diaphragm layer404, a panel406, and an electronic layer408. The sidewalls420-426are also sized and shaped to prevent layers404-408from sliding out of the frame412and to maintain a given spacing between layers402and404. The spacing is maintained, for example, using structural support member(s)502which protrude(s) out from the frame412in a direction towards a center of the electronic device100. The spacing causes a hollow cavity500to be provided between layers402,404as shown inFIG.5.

The hollow cavity500is provided to facilitate buoyancy of the electronic device100. In this regard, the hollow cavity500is (i) filled with air (or other fluid) and (ii) sized and shaped to provide an overall density of the electronic device100that is below a density of liquid that the electronic device displaces when disposed therein. The hollow cavity500comprises a given percentage of the total volume of the electronic device100. This percentage can include, but is not limited to, 5%, greater than 5%, any number between 5% and 10%, any number between 5% and 15%, any number between 5% and 25%, 10%, 15%, and/or 25%. The density of air is 0/001293 gm/cc. When the electronic device100is disposed in liquid, the hollow cavity500causes the body of liquid to create an upward buoyant force sufficient to allow the electronic device100to float to and on the liquid's surface.

The frame412can comprise any material selected in accordance with a given application. For example, in some scenarios, the frame412comprises a plastic material over molded to a midframe. The plastic over mold allows antenna(s) to pass through the frame412without any communication disruption and to hold electronics in the enclosed area of the housing102. The plastic material can have a density selected in accordance with a given application (e.g., less than or equal to 1 gm/cc). The midframe can comprise aluminum (e.g., 2.7 gm/cc), magnesium, aluminum alloy, magnesium alloy (e.g., 1.8 gm/cc), magnesium aluminum alloy and/or any other suitable material (e.g., plastic and/or composite material). The present solution is not limited to the particulars of this example.

The frame412is also designed to have a uniform thickness or a non-uniform thickness depending on a particular application. In the non-uniform scenarios, detent(s), protrusion(s) and/or aperture(s) is(are) formed on at least one sidewall of the frame412to facilitate a balanced distribution of weight in the electronic device100. For example, the electronic layer408may have an unbalanced distribution of weight in a horizontal plane and/or vertical plane of the electronic device100. As such, one or more detents, protrusions and/or apertures430is(are) formed in at least one sidewall of the frame412to offset the unbalanced distribution of weight of the electronic layer408. The present solution is not limited to the particulars of this example. The non-uniform thickness of the frame can be provided via other ways (e.g., using a mold that produced the same).

Another architecture for a frame is provided inFIGS.14-15. As shown inFIGS.14-15, the frame can be designed to receive and structurally support the battery1402and various electronic components (e.g., camera(s)1404, receiver(s)1406, tactile feedback devices1504, smart card(s)1502, and/or plate(s)1504) of the electronic device.

The cover layer402generally comprises a planar sheet of material. The material can include, but is not limited to, plastic(s), glass, polycarbonate(s), carbon fiber(s), air alloy(s), aerogel(s), carbon nanotube(s), nylon, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), and/or any other material with a density equal to or less than a liquid (e.g., ≤one gram per cubic centimeter (1 gm/cc) which is the density of water). The material can be scratch resistant. It should be noted that the rear cover layer of conventional mobile phones is typically formed of a thermoplastic material that has a density (e.g., 1.12 gm/cc to 1.2 gm/cc) greater than the density of water (i.e., 1 gm/cc). In contrast, the cover layer402of electronic device100is formed of a material with a density equal to or less than a liquid (e.g., ≤one gram per cubic centimeter (1 gm/cc) which is the density of water). This feature of the present solution facilitates buoyancy of the electronic device100.

A more detailed illustration of the diaphragm layer404is provided inFIG.6. As shown inFIG.6, the diaphragm layer404comprises two layers602,606coupled to each other via a coupling means604. Layer602can include, but is not limited to, a planar sheet of plastic and/or other cover material. Layer606can include, but is not limited to, a diaphragm material (e.g., a semi-flexible sheet of plastic). The coupling means604can include, but is not limited to, adhesive(s) and/or other bonding material (e.g., a lamination material).

The panel406comprises a sheet of material to maintain a spacing between the electronic layer408and the diaphragm layer404such that the shape and size of the hollow cavity500are fixed. The sheet of material can include, but is not limited to, plastic.

A more detailed illustration of cover/display layer410is provided inFIG.7. The cover/display layer410comprises a planar cover member706coupled to a display screen702via a coupling means704. The coupling means704can include, but is not limited to, adhesive(s) and/or other bonding material (e.g., a lamination material). The planar cover member706can include, but is not limited to, glass (e.g., tempered glass and/or shatter resistant laminated glass), plastic, shatter resistant film, and/or other transparent material. The planar cover member706may include, but is not limited to, a piece of relatively thin glass with a layer of nano-fluid rubbed thereon for increasing its strength. The nano-fluid comprises nano-particles suspended in the fluid which can be dispensed via a dropper tool. The display screen702can include, but is not limited to, a touch screen display, flexible display screen, a rollable screen, a bendable display screen, and/or a waterproof display screen. The display screen702can have a flat or curved cross-sectional profile.

The cover/display layer410can have a thickness selected in accordance with a given application. For example, in some scenarios, the thickness of the cover layer is between 0.2 mm and 0.9 mm, 0.2 mm and 0.8 mm, 0.2 mm and 0.7 mm, 0.2 mm and 0.6 mm, 0.2 mm and 0.5 mm, 0.2 mm and 0.4 mm, 0.2 mm and 0.3 mm, 0.3 mm and 0.8 mm, 0.3 mm and 0.7 mm, 0.3 mm and 0.6 mm, 0.3 mm and 0.5 mm, and/or 0.3 mm and 0.4 mm (inclusive of end points). The present solution is not limited to the particulars of this example. This relatively thin thickness facilitates buoyancy of the electronic device100.

In conventional electronic devices solutions, the batteries are the heaviest component and the display is the second heaviest component thereof. The batteries are typically placed at a location within the electronic devices that is offset from a center of the electronic devices and relatively close to the front of the electronic device along with the display. Thus, the electronic devices do not have a balanced distribution of weight in the horizontal and/or vertical planes. In effect, the display screen of conventional electronic devices typically points in a downwards and/or angled direction (relative to the water's surface) when the electronic device is disposed in water. Consequently, it is difficult to locate the electronic devices in the body of water.

The present solution has been designed to address these drawbacks of conventional electronic devices. In this regard, the battery of the electronic device100can include graphene-based battery(ies) such as pure graphene battery(ies), graphene foam, graphene-metal oxide hybrid battery(ies), graphene composite battery(ies) and/or flexible graphene battery(ies). A graphene-based battery is lighter and slimmer than conventional batteries such as lithium-ion cells. As such, the graphene battery facilitates a reduction in an overall weight and thickness of the electronic device100. The electronic device100is designed such that it has a balanced distribution of weight in at least the horizontal plane (i.e., the plane extending parallel to axis1610ofFIG.16). The cover/display layer410of the present solution is designed to have an overall weight (e.g., 20-21 grams) less than the combined weight of frame412and cover layer402, less than a combined weight of frame412and layers402-406, and/or less than the combined weight of frame412and layers402-408. In some scenarios, the cover/display layer410comprises a graphene-based display. The graphene-based display is lighter and slimmer than conventional displays. These features of the present solution facilitate buoyancy of the electronic device100and the horizontal floating of the electronic device in liquid with the cover/display layer410pointing in an upwards direction.

The electronic layer408comprises circuit components of the electronic device. The circuit components can include, but are not limited to, antenna(s), circuit boards, speaker(s), power source(s) (e.g., rechargeable battery(ies) and/or energy harvester), and/or connectors. The circuit components are designed and engineered with low density materials. The electronic layer can have an overall weight selected in accordance with a particular application. For example, in some scenarios, electronic layer408has a weight of 25-26 grams (inclusive of 25 and 26 grams). The present solution is not limited to the particulars of this example.

For balanced floatation, the frame412and electronic layer408are designed to provide the electronic device100with a distributed weight in at least the horizontal plane (i.e., the plane extending parallel to axis1610ofFIG.16). The weight of the electronic layer408can be balanced or unbalanced in the horizontal plane. In the balanced scenarios, the frame412may be absent of detent(s)/protrusion(s)/aperture(s)430. Detent(s)/protrusion(s)/aperture(s)430may be provided when the electronic layer408has an unbalanced distributed weight in the horizontal plane and/or vertical plane (i.e., the plane extending parallel to axis1608ofFIG.16).

More detailed illustrations of the electronic layer408are provided inFIGS.8-12. As shown in these drawings, the electronic layer408comprises a circuit board802,1202placed adjacent to each end of a battery804. Battery804can be vertically offset from or at least partially vertically aligned with one or more of the circuit board802,1202. Battery804can include, but is not limited to, a graphene battery. In conventional mobile phones, the battery resides in a layer behind another layer comprising an elongate circuit board that extends the entire length of an internal cavity of the mobile phone. In contrast, the battery804of electronic device100resides in the same layer as circuit boards802,1202, and is located between two or more spaced apart circuit boards (which each extend only a portion of the length436of the internal cavity438of the electronic device100). This battery/circuit board configuration is at least made possible due to the decreased overall size and/or thickness of the battery as compared to that of conventional mobile phones. The battery/circuit board configuration facilitates a balanced weight distribution of electronic components within the electronic layer408.

Circuit board1202is structurally supported by structure812and connected to the battery via connector814. Circuit boards802,1202are connected to each other via connector818. A support structure1002is provided for front camera112, and a support structure810is provided for back camera302. The light304and sensor306are structurally supported by structure816. Buttons202-206are structurally supported by plate808. Plate808also facilitates an electrical connection between button206and circuit board(s)802,1202so that the button can be used to turn on/off the electronic device100. A speaker circuit806is also provided in the electronic layer408. Plate808also facilitates an electrical connection between buttons202,204and the speaker circuit806so that the buttons can be used to change the volume and/or other parameters of the speaker128. An insert space1004is provided for sensor(s). The sensor(s) can include, but is(are) not limited to, biometric sensor(s) (e.g., fingerprint sensor).

Circuit boards802,1202can have device(s)1204mounted thereto and connected to each other via conductive traces. The device(s)1204can include, but are not limited to, communication device(s) and/or computing device(s). The communication device(s) can be configured to facilitate Near Field Communications (NFCs), Short Range Communications (SRCs) and/or Long Range Communications (LRCs). The computing device(s) can include, but are not limited to, datastore(s), processor(s), data bus(es), input device(s), output device(s), removable smart card(s), tactile feedback device(s) (e.g., visual, auditory, and/or tactile), sensor(s), transceiver(s), and/or antenna(s).

As noted above, the electronic device100is configured for stable horizontal floatation in a body of liquid. For the stable horizontal floatation, the display screen702along with the cover member706are designed to weigh less than combined weight of the frame412and at least layer402. In this regard, the display screen702can include, but is not limited to, a graphene-based display or a cover (e.g., glass sheet) backed with a display (e.g., a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) screen, an Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) display screen, flexible-OLED display screen, plastic OLED display screen, graphene display screen or other type of display screen). The display can be attached to the cover via lamination or adhesive. The cover may include, but is not limited to, a piece of relatively thin glass with a layer of nano-fluid rubbed thereon for increasing its strength. The nano-fluid comprises nano-particles suspended in the fluid which can be dispensed via a dropper tool. Graphene-based displays are lighter and thinner than displays used in conventional portable electronic devices. For balanced floatation, the electronic layer408is designed to have the electronic components located therein to provide a balanced distributed weight at least across a horizontal plane thereof.

The frame412is also designed to have a uniform thickness or a non-uniform thickness depending on a particular application. In the non-uniform scenarios, detent(s)/protrusion(s)/aperture(s)430are formed in the frame412to facilitate a balanced distribution of weight in the electronic device100. The buoyant force caused by the electronic device structure allows the lighter component of the device (i.e., the cover/display layer410) to face upwards and the heavier component(s) (e.g., layer(s)402-408) to face downwards when the electronic device is floating in a body of liquid.

The following factors should be considered for buoyancy: total weight of an electronic device and total volume of an electronic device. Density is the quantity of mass per unit volume of a substance. The density of an electronic device determines whether it floats or sinks in the body of liquid. The electronic device floats when it has a lower density to that of water, and sinks in water when it has higher density to that of water. The density of water is 1000 kg/m3(1 gm/cc). Device density can be decreased by reducing mass and/or increasing volume. For buoyancy, the density of the electronic device100can be selected to be less than 950 kg/m3(0.95 gm/cc) in some applications. The present solution is not limited in this regard.

The following chart shows the weight, dimensions and density to achieve floatation for an electronic device having 100 gm in total weight.

WeightLengthBreadthHeightDensityDensityin gm.in mmin mmin mmin kg/m{circumflex over ( )}3of water100155807.51075.2688171000100155807.61061.1205431000100155807.71047.3397571000100155807.81033.9123241000100155807.91020.82482610001001558081008.0645161000100155808.1995.61927521000100155808.2983.47757671000100155808.3971.62844931000100155808.4960.06144391000100155808.5948.76660341000100155808.6937.73443361000100155808.7926.95587691000100155808.8916.42228741000100155808.9906.12540781000
As shown in the above chart, an electronic device with a weigh to 100 gm can be made buoyant by selecting a length of 155 mm, a breadth of 80 mm, and a height equal to or greater than 8.1 mm. Buoyancy increases as the height of the electronic device increases. The present solution is not limited in this regard since the calculations will vary when the weight and dimensions are different from the above example.

Referring now toFIG.13, there is provided a detailed diagram of an electronic device1300. Electronic device100ofFIG.1and/or device(s)1204ofFIG.12can be the same as or substantially similar to electronic device1300. As such, the discussion of electronic device1300is sufficient for understanding electronic device100ofFIG.1and/or device(s)1204ofFIG.12.

Electronic device1300may include more or less components than those shown inFIG.13. However, the components shown are sufficient to disclose an illustrative solution implementing the present invention. The hardware architecture ofFIG.13represents one implementation of a representative electronic device configured to enable wireless communications to/from remote devices. As such, the electronic device1300ofFIG.13implements at least a portion of the method(s) described herein.

Some or all the components of the electronic device1300can be implemented as hardware, software and/or a combination of hardware and software. The hardware includes, but is not limited to, one or more electronic circuits. The electronic circuits can include, but are not limited to, passive components (e.g., resistors and capacitors) and/or active components (e.g., amplifiers and/or microprocessors). The passive and/or active components can be adapted to, arranged to and/or programmed to perform one or more of the methodologies, procedures, or functions described herein.

The electronic device1300can include, but are not limited to, optional sensor(s)1302, a wireless communications circuit1304, a Central Processing Unit (CPU)1306, an interface1308, a system bus1310, a memory1312connected to and accessible by other portions of electronic device1300through system bus1310, and hardware entities1314connected to system bus1310.

The sensor(s)13202can include, but are not limited to, biometric sensors, a GPS sensor, a microphone, and/or a motion sensor. The wireless communications circuit1304is configured to facilitate wireless communications with external devices. In this regard, circuit1304comprises a transceiver. Transceivers are well known in the art, and therefore will not be described herein. Any known or to be known transceiver can be used herein without limitation. In some scenarios, the transceiver is an RF transceiver. The interface1308provides a means for electrically connecting the electronic device1300to Input/Output (I/O) circuits and antennas. The I/O circuits can include, but are not limited to, an audio circuit, a data/control circuit, and/or a power supply circuit (e.g., a battery or battery charger).

At least some of the hardware entities1314perform actions involving access to and use of memory1312, which can be a Random Access Memory (RAM), and/or a disk driver. Hardware entities1314can include a disk drive unit1316comprising a computer-readable storage medium1318on which is stored one or more sets of instructions1320(e.g., software code) configured to implement one or more of the methodologies, procedures, or functions described herein. The instructions1320can also reside, completely or at least partially, within the memory1312and/or within the CPU1306during execution thereof by the electronic device1300. The memory1312and the CPU1306also can constitute machine-readable media. The term “machine-readable media”, as used here, refers to a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets of instructions1320. The term “machine-readable media”, as used here, also refers to any medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions1320for execution by the electronic device1300and that cause the electronic device1300to perform any one or more of the methodologies of the present disclosure.

As noted above, the electronic device100is designed to have buoyancy without the need for any accessories. The electronic device100can float on the surface1602of a body of liquid1600in a generally horizontal. Liquid1600can include, but is not limited to, water. This allows users to quickly locate and retrieve the electronic device100when dropped or otherwise disposed in the body of liquid1600.

When the electronic device100is dropped or otherwise disposed in the body of liquid1600, the body of liquid1600exerts a stable upward force1604that opposes the weight of the partially or fully submersed electronic device100. The magnitude of the stable upward force1604is equivalent to the weight of the liquid that would otherwise occupy the submerged volume of the electronic device100, i.e., the displaced fluid. This weight of the liquid is larger than the weight of the electronic device, and the density of the electronic device is less than that of the liquid. For these reasons, the stable upward force1604causes the electronic device to float (and not sink) in the body of liquid1600. The electronic device100has a Center of Gravity (CoG)1606that causes the electronic device to float horizontally on the surface of liquid with the display screen104facing in an upwards direction and located out of the body of liquid1600. The CoG1606is aligned with a first axis1608of the electronic device100and offset from a second axis1610of the electronic device100by a given amount. The first axis1608extends from a front1612to a back1614of the electronic device100, while the second axis1610extends from a top1616to a bottom1618of the electronic device.

Referring now toFIGS.21-22, there are provided illustrations showing another architecture for an electronic device2100. The electronic device2100is similar to electronic device100, but includes an additional motorized mechanism for dynamically and automatically varying an overall size of the electronic device in response to sensed or detected conditions of a surrounding environment. The motorized mechanism can include, but is not limited to, extension/retraction member(s)2108,2110and movable body member(s)2104,2106. Each movable body member is configured to be transitioned from a retracted position as shown inFIG.21to an extended position as shown inFIG.22. In this regard, the movable body member slidingly engages the main body2102and/or sealing member(s)2112,2114. The sealing member(s)2112,2114is(are) configured to create an environmental seal and water-tight seal between the main body2102and the movable body member(s)2104,2106.

In the extended position, an internal hollow cavity (e.g., hollow cavity500ofFIG.5) of the electronic device is enlarged for increasing the buoyancy of the electronic device. In the retracted position, the internal hollow cavity is decreased to facilitate a more compact size of the electronic device. The transition between the retracted and extended positions is facilitated by the extension/retraction member(s)2108,2110. The extension/retraction member(s)2108,2110can include, but are not limited to, motor(s), gear(s), rotatable post(s), expandable and/or retractable post(s), telescoping post(s), latch(es), resilient members (e.g., springs that are normally in a compressed state and when released transition to an uncompressed state), compressible members (e.g., depressible rubber structures), and/or electromagnets. Each of the listed components are well known.

For example, in some scenarios, the extension/retraction member comprises a spring that is in a compressed state when the movable body member is in its retracted position. When the spring is released (e.g., by a motorized latch), the spring transitions to its uncompressed state. During this transitioning, the spring applies a pushing force on the movable body member, whereby the movable body member is caused to slide out of the main body. The movable body may be optionally configured to be manually pressed back into the main body. When the movable body member reaches its fully retracted position, the spring is once again caused (e.g., by the motorized latch) to remain in its compressed state. The present solution is not limited in this regard. Electromagnets can additionally or alternatively be used to retain the movable body member in its retracted position.

Operations of the extension/retraction member(s)2108,2110can be enabled or otherwise triggered in response to condition(s) sensed by sensors (e.g., sensors1302ofFIG.13) of the electronic device. The condition(s) can include, but are not limited to, a level/amount or threshold level/amount of liquid (e.g., water) in a surrounding environment, an amount or threshold amount of pressure being applied to the electronic device by an external liquid, a depth or threshold depth of the electronic device within the liquid, and/or an amount or threshold amount of time the electronic device is located at least partially in the liquid.

The present solution is not limited to the architecture ofFIGS.21-22. For example, a movable body member be provided on one side (e.g., left or right, bottom or top) of the main body rather than both as shown. Additionally or alternatively, each movable body member can include any number of telescoping components that side out of and/or into the main body. Also, the motorized mechanism can be designed for extension and not retraction of the movable body member. In this case, the movable body member may remain in the extended position or be manually pushed back into the retracted position.

Referring now toFIGS.23-24, there are provided illustrations showing another architecture for an electronic device2300. The electronic device2300is similar to electronic device100, but includes an additional motorized mechanism for dynamically and automatically varying an overall size of the electronic device in response to sensed or detected conditions of a surrounding environment. The motorized mechanism can include, but is not limited to, an extension/retraction member2306and a movable body member2304. The movable body member is configured to be transitioned from a retracted position as shown inFIG.23to an extended position as shown inFIG.24. In this regard, the movable body member2304slidingly engages the main body2302and/or sealing member(s)2308. The sealing member(s)2308is(are) configured to create an environmental seal and water-tight seal between the main body2302and the movable body member2304.

In the extended position, an internal hollow cavity (e.g., hollow cavity500ofFIG.5) of the electronic device is enlarged for increasing the buoyancy of the electronic device. In the retracted position, the internal hollow cavity is decreased to facilitate a more compact size of the electronic device. The transition between the retracted and extended positions is facilitated by the extension/retraction member2306. The extension/retraction member2306can include, but are not limited to, motor(s), gear(s), rotatable post(s), expandable and/or retractable post(s), telescoping post(s), latch(es), resilient members (e.g., springs that are normally in a compressed state and when released transition to an uncompressed state), compressible members (e.g., depressible rubber structures), and/or electromagnets. Each of the listed components are well known.

Operations of the extension/retraction member2306can be enabled or otherwise triggered in response to condition(s) sensed by sensors (e.g., sensors1302ofFIG.13) of the electronic device. The condition(s) can include, but are not limited to, a level/amount or threshold level/amount of liquid (e.g., water) in a surrounding environment, an amount or threshold amount of pressure being applied to the electronic device by an external liquid, a depth or threshold depth of the electronic device within the liquid, and/or an amount or threshold amount of time the electronic device is located at least partially in the liquid.

The present solution is not limited to the architecture ofFIGS.23-24. For example, a movable body member be provided on two or more sides (e.g., left right, bottom and/or top) of the main body rather than on one side as shown inFIGS.23-24. Additionally or alternatively, the movable body member2304can include any number of telescoping components that side out of and/or into the main body. Also, the motorized mechanism2306can be designed for extension and not retraction of the movable body member. In this case, the movable body member2304may remain in the extended position or be manually pushed back into the retracted position.

The described features, advantages and characteristics disclosed herein may be combined in any suitable manner. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, in light of the description herein, that the disclosed systems and/or methods can be practiced without one or more of the specific features. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain scenarios that may not be present in all instances.