Project introduction
Most commercially available smartphones are sealed with adhesives to keep out dust and water. However, the adhesives also make it difficult for consumers to repair their phones or replace batteries. Some smartwatch designs successfully use gaskets to achieve higher water resistance ratings. This project seeks to apply this design concept to a smartphone form factor. 3D models of a smartphone were designed in SolidWorks and 3D-printed to create a prototype. The Ingress Protection (IP) Rating standard measures water and dust resistance. The goal is to achieve the same IP rating as model smartwatches, which is higher than currently available smartphones. The modular design will promote the right-to-repair movement and provide cost savings to consumers and local repair shop owners. The extended life cycle of these devices reduces the need to manufacture new phones when parts break and serves as an alternative to the commonly promoted "planned obsolescence" market strategy.
The major goal of an ecofriendly smartphone design is to incorporate circular economic strategies to achieve a true triple bottom line scenario where social, economic, and environmental balance is achieved. If smartphones are kept in use longer, fewer phones would need to be produced and the reductions in mining and material extraction would help mitigate climate change. It’s estimated that extending the current average 2-year lifespan of a smartphone by one year would save 275 kg of CO2 in manufacturing alone, while also reducing the amount of e-waste generated each year. Co-benefits include less environmental pollution and fewer waste electronics exports to developing countries. Further, consumers would not have to spend as much money replacing an entire phone, because they could replace parts themselves or locally at a service shop. Small businesses tend to foster stronger communities. A possible co-benefit is a reduction in transportation emissions as demand for repair increases.
Project Idea
Screw Backing
For this idea, there will be 3 mating parts for the primary body of the phone housing. The front and backside of the phone will be screwed together. Then a sleeve will be inserted on the back of the phone to give a sleek look and provide extra protection. Gaskets will be used between the front and backside of the phone to provide a water and dust-resistant barrier.
Figure 1 - Screw Backing Design
Project Proposal
Video: Fall Presentation - Project and Design Introduction
Video: Winter Presentation - Manufactured Device
Test Summary:
The Ingress Protection Test revealed a discrepancy between the anticipated IP rating and the actual performance of the 3D printed phone housing prototype. Despite theoretical calculations suggesting its ability to withstand the applied pressure, water ingress occurred during the test. This outcome highlighted the importance of considering material properties in addition to design specifications.
Conversely, the Instron Test demonstrated the housing's robustness in supporting a 100 lb load without permanent deformation. Although a slight deflection was observed during testing, the housing promptly regained its original shape once the force was removed, indicating its capacity to meet the specified criteria.
Overall, these test results provide valuable insights into the strengths and limitations of the phone housing prototype. While the Ingress Protection Test highlighted the need for material refinement, the successful outcome of the Instron Test underscores the effectiveness of the design in meeting structural requirements. Moving forward, addressing material concerns will be crucial to ensuring the prototype's success and ultimate viability in real-world applications.
Video: Final Presentation