The display screen unit of a cell phone or PDA is carried in a mounting
frame, which is bolted into the casing. The screen unit is sandwiched
between cushioning layers of foam. The screen unit can move laterally,
relative to the mounting frame, putting the foam in shear, in response to
an edge or corner impact. Springy tabs are bent up from the metal backing
plate of the screen unit, and these springy tabs serve to cushion the
impact of the screen unit against the mounting frame, in response to the
edge or corner impact, leading to a marked improvement in drop test
performance. As a production-line benefit, the springy tabs also permit
the screen unit to rest on the lip of the mounting frame, enabling the
screen unit to be accurately positioned in the mounting frame just before
the screen unit is finally pressed down into contact with the securing
adhesive.