Execution button for mobile device protection

Abstract

A mobile device protection device (e.g. a mobile phone case) having an edge wall portion that contains at least one region for covering a mobile device capacitive action button on a mobile device. The mobile device capacitive action button is adjacent to an at least partially conductive region that is sufficiently conductive to transmit a change in capacitance caused by a user's finger or stylus approaching the mobile device capacitive action button on the mobile device, thereby triggering the mobile device capacitive action button through the change in capacitance. The conductive material can be integrated into the mobile device protection device itself or can be made into a conductive material based button insert that is embedded into the mobile device protection device. The conductive button can be designed with a variety of internal conductive structures, including uniform conductor distribution, non-uniform conductor distribution, layered conductor distribution, and discontinuous conductor distribution formed in a conductive polymer by the presence of openings or insulating regions.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] Mobile phones, tablets, and other portable electronic devices are equipped with various touch-based action buttons. Among them, capacitive touch-sensitive buttons are often used to record user input. This input can take many forms, including single touches, swipes, or other gestures, or combinations of multiple inputs. Although these capacitive control buttons typically function through the screen display, they can also be installed anywhere on the electronic device. Specifically, many mobile phones (such as the iPhone 16) have capacitive control buttons on the side of the device. These buttons are slide-to-action buttons used to control camera zoom levels. In addition, these capacitive buttons also support traditional press-to-trigger functionality—users can take photos by pressing the button. In other words, a single capacitive control button can simultaneously function as both a capacitive slide button and a press-to-trigger button. An example of an iPhone camera action button is shown in Figure 1.

[0002] Pressing the camera control button in Figure 1 brings up various control interfaces, while sliding it across the surface of the button moves the cursor of the settings items displayed on the LCD screen on the front of the phone back and forth. This is because the button integrates a force sensor and a touch sensor.

[0003] As shown in Figure 2, the button contains a multi-pixel capacitive sensor. The working principle of a capacitive touch sensor is that when a conductive object such as a finger approaches the sensor surface, it causes a change in capacitance. The sensor detects this change to perform its function. There are several types of capacitive touch sensors based on projected capacitance technology, such as mutual capacitance sensors and self-capacitance sensors. Generally, a capacitive sensor contains conductive electrodes that generate an electrostatic field. When a finger containing conductive ions approaches, it interferes with this electrostatic field and changes the capacitance at the corresponding location. The electronic components of the capacitive sensor continuously measure the capacitance value. When a finger approaches, the capacitance value changes, and the system interprets this change as a touch operation. Subsequently, the sensor converts the capacitance change into an electrical signal, and the device interprets this signal to perform corresponding operations (such as recording a button press or touch action). In a mutual capacitance sensor, the row and column electrodes are arranged in a grid pattern, and a capacitor is formed at the intersection of each row and column electrode. By measuring the voltage on another grid axis, the touch position can be determined based on the capacitance change at any grid intersection. In a self-capacitance sensor, the row and column electrodes are independent of each other, and the current can detect the touch position in each column or row separately.

[0004] For more complex capacitive touch sensors, such as capacitive sliders, additional design factors need to be considered. The core working principle of a capacitive slider is to detect the continuous movement of a finger on a sensor strip, thereby enabling sliding or scrolling interactions. It can operate based on either self-capacitance or mutual capacitance technology, each with its own advantages and trade-offs. In a self-capacitance slider, each electrode or sensor pad on the slider measures its own capacitance relative to a reference ground. When a finger approaches, it changes the capacitive load of each nearby individual electrode, which the system interprets as a touch operation; as the finger moves along the slider, the capacitance change transfers from one electrode to the next. In a mutual capacitance slider using cross-electrode technology, two sets of electrodes (such as row and column electrodes) are arranged close together with tiny gaps between them. A local electrostatic field is formed at each intersection of row and column electrodes. When a finger approaches, it interferes with the electrostatic field between the intersecting electrodes at that location, thus changing the mutual capacitance; as the finger slides, this mutual capacitance interference transfers at successive intersections, thereby achieving precise tracking of the finger's movement along the slider's trajectory. Although the mutual capacitance slider can track more complex finger movements, it requires more complex electronic components to support it.

[0005] When a capacitive slider also includes a standard "press" actuation mechanism, this mechanism can be designed as a separate mechanical switch located below the capacitive slider, as seen in the iPhone 16 button mentioned above. This design allows the user to directly press the slider surface, triggering the independent mechanical switch beneath the slider layer. Control systems in electronic devices (phones, tablets, laptops) can distinguish between capacitive and mechanical inputs and execute the functions corresponding to each type of input.

[0006] Many mobile phone users use phone cases or other protective devices to cover the back and sides of their phones for protection in case of drops or other accidents. However, when the phone has capacitive buttons on the side or back, the traditional design of having these buttons protrude through openings in the protective case is insufficient for users. This is because these capacitive buttons are usually flush with the side of the phone and do not protrude beyond the thickness of the protective case. Although large openings can be made in the protective case, this design causes the surface of the capacitive slider button to be recessed relative to the outside of the protective case, preventing users from naturally sliding along the button surface. Furthermore, openings that are too large to facilitate sliding operations can result in insufficient protection for the phone.

[0007] Therefore, there is an urgent need in the field for an improved mobile phone case—a case designed with a specific area capable of accurately transmitting the user's touch or swipe operations in the area above the capacitive touch buttons on the phone, thereby triggering the capacitive buttons. This invention is proposed to address this need. Summary of the Invention

[0008] This invention provides several alternative embodiments, all employing conductive materials to accurately transmit capacitance changes generated when a human finger or stylus approaches a capacitively pressed button on a mobile device (typically the side, but also the front, back, top, or bottom edge). The conductive material can be integrated into the mobile device's protective case / device itself, or it can be fabricated as a conductive material-based button insert embedded within the mobile device's protective case / device. The conductive button can employ various internal conductive structure designs, including uniform conductor distribution, non-uniform conductor distribution, layered conductor distribution, and discontinuous conductor distribution formed by embedding openings or insulating regions within a conductive polymer. Each structure will be described in detail below.

[0009] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a mobile device protective device, the protective device including an edge wall portion, the edge wall portion having at least one region for covering and adjacent to a capacitive actuation button on the mobile device. The at least one region is at least partially conductive, and its conductivity must satisfy the following condition: when a user's finger or stylus approaches the capacitive actuation button of the mobile device, the region can transmit the resulting capacitance change, thereby triggering the capacitive actuation button of the mobile device through the capacitance change.

[0010] In another embodiment, the mobile device protection device includes a protection button.

[0011] In another embodiment, the button of the protective device is provided with at least one conductive area and at least one non-conductive area.

[0012] In another embodiment, the at least one conductive region comprises a conductive polymer.

[0013] In another embodiment, the conductive polymer is in the form of conductive particles, conductive filaments, or conductive rods.

[0014] In another embodiment, the conductive particles, conductive filaments, or conductive rods are embedded in a polymer matrix.

[0015] In another embodiment, the conductive particles, conductive wires, or conductive rods at least partially comprise carbon, graphite, carbon nanotubes, graphene, silver, copper, aluminum, nickel, conductive ceramics, or mixtures of the above materials.

[0016] In another embodiment, the polymer matrix comprises an elastomer, a thermoplastic resin, a thermosetting resin, or a mixture of the above materials.

[0017] In another embodiment, the polymer matrix comprises an elastomer selected from one or more of silicone, polyurethane, thermoplastic polyurethane, thermoplastic elastomer, or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS).

[0018] In another embodiment, the polymer matrix comprises a thermoplastic resin or a thermosetting resin selected from polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polytetrafluoroethylene, polystyrene, polycarbonate, polybutene, polyvinyl chloride, polyester, polyimide, polyamide, or polypropylene.

[0019] In another embodiment, the protective shell button comprises a conductive area layer and a non-conductive area layer distributed longitudinally or laterally.

[0020] In another embodiment, the protective shell button has an opening or gap inside.

[0021] In another embodiment, before the operation is triggered, the protective shell button and the capacitive execution button of the mobile device are at least partially physically separated by an air gap.

[0022] In another approach, when the protective case button is triggered, the protective case button is designed to eliminate air gaps and press against the capacitive actuation button on the mobile device.

[0023] In another embodiment, the protective case button includes an embedded sliding element, and the protective case button is disposed within a groove of the mobile device protective case.

[0024] In another embodiment, the embedded sliding element is in the form of a conductive rod, a conductive ball, or a conductive bead.

[0025] In another embodiment, the protective case button includes a protective layer located between the protective case button and the capacitive actuation button of the mobile device.

[0026] In another embodiment, the protective case button also includes a haptic feedback module.

[0027] In another embodiment, the edge wall portion extends at least partially from the back panel.

[0028] In another embodiment, the second edge wall portion extends at least partially from the back panel. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the button operation on the iPhone 16; Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a multi-pixel capacitive sensor; Figures 3A-3C Schematic diagrams of various variations of a mobile phone case / protective device integrating the conductive polymer actuation button described in any embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a uniformly conductive polymer button being executed according to one embodiment; Figures 5A-5CA schematic diagram of a discontinuous conductive polymer button operation according to one embodiment; Figures 6A-6B A schematic diagram of a conductive polymer actuator button with an opening, according to one embodiment; Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a layered conductive polymer button operation according to one embodiment; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a conductive polymer button with a preset air gap according to one embodiment. Figure 9 A schematic diagram of a button on a mobile phone case / protective device with customizable conductive areas; Figure 10 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the button on a mobile phone case / protective device with a protective layer; Figure 11 A cross-sectional side view of the buttons on a sliding phone case / protective device; Figure 12 A perspective view of another embodiment of the button for a sliding mobile phone case / protective device; Figure 13 A perspective view of yet another embodiment of a sliding mobile phone case / protective device button; Figure 14 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the button of a mobile phone case / protective device with a haptic feedback module; Figure 15 A schematic diagram of a protective element covering the opening area of ​​a mobile device's protective case / protective device. Detailed Implementation

[0030] This invention provides various mobile device protective cases / protective devices, which have a conductive material disposed above the capacitive actuation button of the mobile device. When a human finger touches this conductive material area, the conductive material can accurately transmit the resulting capacitance change and conduct it to the capacitive actuation button of the device. The conductive material can be a conductive area integrated into the mobile device protective case / protective device, or it can be a separate button disposed on the mobile device protective case / protective device. Although the following embodiments use a mobile phone protective case / protective device as an example, it should be understood that the mobile device protective case / protective device of this invention is applicable to a variety of portable electronic devices, including but not limited to mobile phones, tablets, laptops, music players, fitness trackers, watches, personal digital assistants, and other portable electronic devices that require protective cases / protective devices.

[0031] When fabricating capacitive sensors in mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops, a combination of conductive and insulating material layers is required to optimize sensor sensitivity, durability, and simplify the manufacturing process. For LCD displays, the top electrode material typically needs to be transparent; therefore, indium tin oxide (ITO) is often chosen as the top electrode—ITO combines transparency and conductivity, does not obstruct the view when used in displays, and can be formed on glass display covers. When transparency is not a concern, other conductive materials such as copper, silver, or metal mesh can be used as electrodes.

[0032] The central dielectric layer of a capacitive sensor can be made of glass or plastic (such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polycarbonate (PC). These materials are not only durable but also facilitate the fabrication of the bottom electrode on the other side. Furthermore, the dielectric constant of the capacitive sensor can be adjusted by coating it with silicone or other dielectric materials. The lower electrode / electrode grid can be made of any conductive material, as it typically does not need to be transparent.

[0033] When an object approaches the capacitive sensor, the sensor records the overall capacitance change. Therefore, any buttons or corresponding areas on the protective components must be able to properly transmit this capacitance change to the capacitive sensor used as an actuator.

[0034] Figure 3A The image shows a typical mobile device protective case / protective device 100 (such as a mobile phone or tablet protective case / protective device). [The image is] made by... Figure 3A As can be seen, the mobile device protective case / protective device 100 includes a back panel 102, on which an edge wall portion 104 is provided, the edge wall portion 104 extending at least partially from the back panel 102.

[0035] Figure 3B The image shows a “simple” mobile device protective device 110, which includes at least one edge wall portion 114, with or without a back panel. The mobile device protective device 110 is designed to be attached (e.g., by adhesive) to at least one edge of the device body 40 of the mobile device 1.

[0036] Figure 3C Another “simple” mobile device protective device 120 is shown, which includes at least one edge wall portion 124, with or without a back panel. The mobile device protective device 120 is designed to be attachable (e.g., by adhesive, friction, snap-fit, etc.) to at least one edge of the device body 40 of the mobile device 1.

[0037] In any of the mobile device protective cases / protective devices described herein, the entire side of device 1 may be completely or partially covered. One or more side edges may be exposed or partially exposed, for example, to facilitate access to a charging port, SIM card slot, or memory card slot. In mobile device protective cases / protective devices 100, at least one of the first edge wall portion, the second edge wall portion 104, or the back panel 102 includes at least one area that covers and is adjacent to the capacitive actuation button 30 on the mobile device 1. In "minimalist" mobile device protective devices 110 and 120, at least one edge wall portion includes at least one area that covers and is adjacent to the capacitive actuation button 30 on the mobile device 1.

[0038] At least one of the aforementioned areas can be either a standalone button or a conductive area fully integrated with the mobile device protective case / protective device 100, 110, or 120. When the mobile device protective case / protective device uses a standalone button, the button shape can be designed so that the user can perceive the button area solely through touch without visually confirming its location. For example, even if the button is integrated with the protective case / protective device, it can be designed as a slightly raised shape to confirm its location through tactile feedback. Furthermore, for capacitive sliding buttons on electronic devices that support both sliding and press-triggered operation, the button material or the protective case / protective device material must possess sufficient flexibility to ensure that press-triggered operation can be achieved in the same way as in conventional methods.

[0039] Please see Figure 4The conductive button 10 can be made of a thin, uniformly conductive polymer or a thin, uniformly conductive elastomer. This button 10 can be part of a mobile device protective case / protective device 20 and is positioned directly above the capacitive actuation button 30 on the mobile device body 40. Since most polymers are insulating materials, conductive fillers are typically added to create a conductive polymer. Non-exhaustive examples of polymers include thermoplastic polymers such as polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polytetrafluoroethylene, polystyrene, polycarbonate, polybutene, polyvinyl chloride, polyester, polyimide, polyamide, and polypropylene; non-exhaustive examples of elastomers or elastomers include silicone, polyurethane, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS). Non-exhaustive examples of conductive fillers include carbon black (e.g., particle size 10-100 nm), carbon nanotubes (particle size 1-20 nm), graphene / graphene oxide (particle size 1-20 nm), silver (particle size 1-20 μm), nickel (particle size 5-20 μm), or copper (particle size 1-50 μm). These fillers can be used alone, in combination, or mixed with other fillers. The particle sizes mentioned above are typical for commercially available products and are not limiting. The resulting conductive polymers exhibit a wide range of volume resistivity, approximately 1. Up to 10 0 O·cm. The selected thickness of the conductive polymer key will, to some extent, determine the choice of its conductivity.

[0040] The volume percentage of conductive particles needs to be selected based on the desired overall conductivity, typically between about 1% and 30% (volume percentage), depending on the type of particles selected. In some embodiments, this range may be more specifically set to about 10% to 20% (volume percentage).

[0041] Because the button material is conductive, changes in the capacitive field are transmitted. In one embodiment, the selected conductive polymer is thin enough that the distance between it and the capacitive actuation button below is small, thereby minimizing the impedance between the finger and the sensor. This thickness is typically around 1 mm, with the specific value depending on the dielectric constant and conductivity of the material. In this embodiment, the conductive polymer button can uniformly transmit the electric field change caused by the user's touch to the capacitive actuation button below it. Figure 4 As shown, the conductive button 10 is in direct contact with the capacitive actuation button 30 of the mobile phone. Although this design is sufficient for ordinary capacitive actuation buttons, its sensitivity may be insufficient for capacitive sliding buttons.

[0042] Figures 5A-5C A discontinuous conductive polymer button 110 according to one embodiment is shown. Figure 5A This is a cross-sectional view of button 110, which is positioned as follows: Figure 4The protective case / protective device 20 shown is in contact with the capacitive control button 30 of the mobile phone. Figure 5A The illustrated embodiment is specifically designed for capacitive slide-action buttons—buttons that require more sensitive recognition of the movement of a finger on the button surface. In button 110, conductive areas 115 and non-conductive areas 117 are alternately distributed so that when a finger or stylus slides across the button surface (e.g., along…),… Figure 5A (From left to right or right to left), the capacitance change can be transmitted sequentially. Conductive region 115 can be made in the same direction as... Figure 4 The same conductive fillers as in the embodiments are used, and these fillers are periodically distributed along the polymer thickness direction (from top to bottom). In other embodiments, the discontinuous structure can also be designed as a conductive mesh, segmented fine wires, or a series of conductive "islands" formed along the slider direction by metal foil or conductive coating. Figure 5B This is a top view of the packing distribution. Figure 5C This is a top view of another type of filler distribution. These conductive areas can form "conductive walls" or "conductive pillars" running through the top and bottom of the button.

[0043] By creating discontinuous conductive regions separated by insulating gaps along the length of the slider, each independent region can more accurately transmit local capacitance changes, allowing the capacitive slider below to track the movement of a finger in each region. The gaps between regions prevent the formation of a continuous, single electric field (which would interfere with the detection of sliding motion). When a user's finger slides on the elastomer surface, only the area directly beneath the conductive wall or post transmits capacitance changes. Separating the conductive walls or posts with insulating material prevents signal crosstalk on the surface, ensuring that only the area directly beneath the finger generates a detectable signal, enabling more precise control over capacitance changes. Furthermore, the conductive walls or posts can sequentially contact the capacitive slider at different positions, achieving a smooth transition and allowing the sensor to track movement with higher accuracy—crucial for sliding buttons that require precise finger movement detection. Because the conductive posts are spaced apart, they simulate the behavior of a finger sliding on a surface; and since the capacitive slider works by detecting minute capacitance changes as the user's finger approaches or moves away from the sensing electrode, the discontinuous conductive regions create a similar capacitance gradient, helping the capacitive actuation button track movement more easily.

[0044] Generally, smaller, more closely spaced conductive walls or pillars help ensure sufficient capacitance change at each contact point, thereby improving the slider's sensitivity and resolution. The distance (spacing) between conductive walls or pillars determines the number of conductive walls or pillars in contact with the capacitive slider at any given time. This spacing needs to be small enough to ensure continuous contact during sliding; however, it cannot be too small, otherwise the structure will behave like a solid conductive sheet, potentially hindering proper detection of sliding motion. The conductive material used to fabricate the conductive walls or pillars needs to have sufficiently low resistivity to achieve effective capacitance transfer—this ensures that charge can be transferred through the conductive walls or pillars and affect the capacitance of the slider electrodes below. Therefore, by selecting appropriate fillers, a low-resistivity region with the required resistivity can be constructed.

[0045] Figures 6A-6B Another embodiment of a polymer button with conductive and non-conductive regions is shown. Figures 6A-6B In the embodiment shown, the insulating region 217 is formed by an opening on the polymer key. Figure 6A This is a side view showing the openings running from the top to the bottom of the button. These openings can be made in various ways, such as... Figure 6B The random distribution pattern shown can also be a linear distribution pattern—when a finger slides on button 210, it will pass through conductive polymer area 215 and opening 217 (non-conductive area) in sequence.

[0046] Figure 7 Another embodiment of a polymer button with conductive and non-conductive regions is shown. Figure 7 In this structure, the top conductive region 315 and the bottom conductive region 316 are made of conductive polymer, conductive coating, or metallic material, and are separated by an insulating region 317. The top conductive region 315 and / or the bottom conductive region 316 can have a continuous structure, or a linear or non-linear discontinuous structure (e.g., ...). Figures 6A-6B (Structure shown). With this design, button 310 can form one or more capacitors, which can be combined with capacitive touch buttons on a mobile phone or mobile device. The capacitive button 310 of the phone case / protective device changes the capacitance value of the capacitive button on the electronic device below it. In one embodiment, only one surface may have a discontinuous structure, such as only the top surface or only the bottom surface.

[0047] Figure 8Another embodiment is illustrated: Before triggering the operation, the conductive polymer 415 and the mobile phone execution button 430 are at least partially physically separated by a preset air gap 419. If the conductive polymer is made of a sufficiently tough material and the air gap 419 is small enough, when the user slides on the surface of the material, the air gap 419 is sequentially compressed, causing the conductive polymer 415 to contact the mobile phone execution button 430, thereby generating the capacitance change required for the sliding operation. This sequential local contact can simulate the sliding interaction process—when the conductive polymer 415 is compressed and forms a path with the electrode below, each contact point generates a capacitive event similar to a touch. The temporary contact between the conductive polymer 415 and the mobile phone execution button 430 generates a local capacitance change, which is similar to the capacitance change generated when a finger slides directly on the sensor surface. Subsequently, the capacitive execution button 430 can detect these capacitance changes moving along the length of the slider and interpret them as a sliding touch operation. Precise finger trajectory tracking achieved through sequential contact improves signal accuracy; in addition, the air gap 419 can act as a natural insulator, reducing unintended capacitive coupling and ensuring that the conductive polymer only contacts specific points on the mobile phone execution button.

[0048] Since the conductive material used in this invention can be a polymer, it can be easily integrated into polymer protective cases / protective devices. Specifically, if the polymer button material (such as thermoplastic polyurethane TPU) is the same as the base material of the polymer protective case / protective device (also TPU), the integration process between the button and the protective case / protective device can be simplified, thereby reducing production costs and improving production yield. Typical protective case / protective device materials include TPU, silicone, polycarbonate, and hybrid protective cases / protective devices made of multiple materials (e.g., a silicone shock-absorbing liner inside a harder outer shell).

[0049] To integrate conductive polymer buttons into device housings / protective devices, an overmolding process can be used: the button is directly injection-molded into the housing / protective device during manufacturing. Overmolding creates a seamless and strong bond between the two materials, ensuring the conductive polymer button remains in the correct position by injection molding it to the specific location corresponding to the capacitive slider. Alternatively, conductive adhesives or other bonding agents can be used to bond the conductive polymer button to the housing / protective device; a snap-fit ​​structure can also be used, with slots or tabs designed between the button and the housing / protective device to secure the button in the correct position.

[0050] Although the above embodiments are illustrated using polymers and conductive polymers as examples, it should be understood that other conductive materials can also be used to construct conductive areas within polymer buttons. For example, a circuit board local structure containing multiple patterned conductive and insulating areas can be selected; alternatively, metal wires or larger discrete metal particles can be used to construct any desired conductive pattern to transmit different touch actions of a human finger or stylus. In some embodiments, conventional mobile phone cases / protective devices can also be used, with one or more layers of metal foil embedded only in their top, bottom, upper and lower sides, or interior, transmitting capacitance changes caused by a finger or stylus through the metal foil. The metal foil can adopt continuous or discontinuous patterns as shown in the above embodiments.

[0051] Furthermore, based on the control characteristics required for capacitively actuated buttons, various customized conductive structures can be constructed to adjust the sensitivity of different areas of the buttons on phone cases / protective devices. For example, such as... Figure 9 As shown, the central area of ​​the button on the phone case / protective device can be provided with more conductive elements 515a to give it higher conductivity, while fewer conductive elements 515b are provided on both sides of the central area. These conductive elements can be made of any metal material or conductive polymer material described in the above embodiments. In this example, the central area of ​​the button on the case / protective device therefore has higher touch sensitivity. For example, depending on the functional requirements of the capacitive button on the phone, conductivity can be improved in areas on the case / protective device that correspond to more control functions.

[0052] In embodiments using metal particles or wires, a protective layer can be provided between the conductive buttons of the phone case / protective device and the phone buttons to prevent the metal from scratching or otherwise damaging the material of the phone's buttons below. For example... Figure 10 As shown, a protective layer 610 is provided between the conductive button 620 (which can adopt any of the above structures) and the mobile phone execution button 630. This protective layer can be a thin dielectric capacitor layer with a lower hardness than the mobile phone execution button. For example, it can be made of glass, plastic (such as PET or PC), or other materials suitable for making screen protectors. In addition, a protective / decorative layer (such as silicone or other plastics) 640 can be added to the conductive button 620 (on the user-facing side) as needed.

[0053] For buttons requiring greater mechanical freedom of movement, the conductive buttons on the phone case / protective device can be designed as sliding buttons 710, allowing them to slide above the capacitive buttons 720 on the phone (e.g., Figure 11 (As shown). The sliding element 730 can be embedded in the sliding button 710 or can be separated from the sliding button 710. The sliding button can be fixed in the groove 740 of the mobile phone case / protective device 750.

[0054] Figure 12This illustration shows a variation of a sliding phone case / protective device button 810, which includes a conductive rod 820 that can be positioned below a capacitive button on the phone. Figure 12 (Not shown in the image) Surface sliding / rolling. Additionally, each conductive rod 820 can also be designed as an independent rotatable structure, similar to a handcart wheel structure with multi-wheel support.

[0055] Figure 13 An alternative solution is shown, in which the aforementioned conductive rod can be replaced with a conductive ball or bead 920, which can be fixed inside the button 910 of the phone case / protective device. The conductive bead can be a rotatable structure (e.g., a ball bearing type ball) or can be fixedly embedded inside the button 910.

[0056] Figure 14 In another embodiment shown, a haptic feedback module can be integrated into the button of the phone case / protective device. This haptic module includes: a sensor 1020 disposed below a conductive area 1010, a printed circuit board (PCB) 1040 mountable on a substrate, and a haptic device 1050 (for providing haptic feedback to the user when the user triggers the button 1010). Haptic feedback is particularly useful for capacitive buttons that also have a press-triggered function. Some action buttons have different "press levels," such as half-press and full-press. For example, on the iPhone 16, half-pressing and holding the action button allows the user to access the camera settings menu or zoom function interface. Therefore, when the button 1010 is pressed to a preset position, the sensor 1020 detects the signal, processes it through the PCB 1040, and transmits it to the haptic device 1050, thereby providing haptic feedback to the user. By integrating the haptic module into the button, the user can "perceive" the difference between a half-press and a full-press when pressing the button.

[0057] In addition, some phone cases / protective devices have openings that allow users to directly access the capacitive control buttons below. To protect these capacitive control buttons, these cases / protective devices can be designed with a hinged flip cover 1110: when the buttons are not in use, the flip cover covers them; when operation is needed, the user can easily push the flip cover open, allowing their finger or stylus to directly contact the phone's control buttons. This implementation example... Figure 15 As shown.

[0058] Although this disclosure has been described and illustrated with reference to specific embodiments, such descriptions and illustrations are not restrictive. Those skilled in the art will understand that various changes can be made and equivalents substituted for corresponding components without departing from the true spirit and scope of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims. The drawings in this disclosure are not necessarily drawn to scale, and the schematic structures in the drawings may differ from actual devices due to manufacturing processes and tolerance differences. Other embodiments not specifically shown may also exist in this disclosure. The specification and drawings should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive. Modifications may be made to adapt particular situations, materials, compositions, methods, or processes to the purpose, spirit, and scope of this disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to fall within the protection scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, although the methods disclosed herein are described in conjunction with specific operations performed in a particular order, it should be understood that these operations can be combined, split, or reordered to form equivalent methods without departing from the technical solutions of this disclosure. Therefore, unless expressly stated herein, the order and grouping of operations do not constitute a limitation.

[0059] The terms "approximately," "basically," "roughly," and "about" used in this article are used to describe and explain minor variations. When these terms are used in conjunction with an event or situation, they can refer to either the exact occurrence of the event or situation or its approximate occurrence. In this article, when "about" is used with respect to a given numerical value or range, it typically indicates that the value or range is within ±10%, ±5%, ±1%, or ±0.5%. The numerical range in this article can be expressed as "from one endpoint to another" or "between two endpoints."

Claims

1. A protective device for mobile devices, comprising: An edge wall portion includes at least one region for covering a capacitive actuation button on a mobile device, and the capacitive actuation button is adjacent to the at least one region. The at least one region is at least partially conductive, and its conductivity is sufficient to transmit capacitance changes caused by the user's finger or stylus approaching the capacitively activated button on the mobile device, thereby triggering the capacitively activated button on the mobile device through the capacitance change.

2. The mobile device protection device according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one area includes a mobile device protection button.

3. The mobile device protection device according to claim 2, wherein, The button of the mobile device protection device includes at least one conductive area and at least one non-conductive area.

4. The mobile device protection device according to claim 3, wherein, The at least one conductive region comprises a conductive polymer.

5. The mobile device protection device according to claim 4, wherein, The conductive polymer is in the form of conductive particles, conductive wires, or conductive rods.

6. The mobile device protection device according to claim 5, wherein, The conductive particles, conductive wires, or conductive rods are embedded in the polymer matrix.

7. The mobile device protection device according to claim 5, wherein, The conductive particles, conductive wires, or conductive rods at least partially comprise carbon, graphite, carbon nanotubes, graphene, silver, copper, aluminum, nickel, conductive ceramics, or mixtures of the above materials.

8. The mobile device protection device according to claim 6, wherein, The polymer matrix comprises an elastomer, a thermoplastic resin, a thermosetting resin, or a mixture of the above materials.

9. The mobile device protection device according to claim 6, wherein, The polymer matrix includes an elastomer selected from one or more of silicone, polyurethane, thermoplastic polyurethane, thermoplastic elastomer, or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS).

10. The mobile device protection device according to claim 6, wherein, The polymer matrix comprises a thermoplastic resin or a thermosetting resin, wherein the thermoplastic resin or thermosetting resin is selected from polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polytetrafluoroethylene, polystyrene, polycarbonate, polybutene, polyvinyl chloride, polyester, polyimide, polyamide, or polypropylene.

11. The mobile device protection device according to claim 2, wherein, The button of the mobile device protection device includes a conductive area layer and a non-conductive area layer distributed vertically or horizontally.

12. The mobile device protection device according to claim 2, wherein, The buttons of the mobile device protection device have openings or gaps inside.

13. The mobile device protection device according to claim 2, wherein, Before the operation is triggered, the button of the mobile device protection device and the capacitive execution button of the mobile device are physically separated by an air gap.

14. The mobile device protection device according to claim 13, wherein, When the mobile device protection device button is triggered, the mobile device protection device button is designed to eliminate the air gap and is pressed on the mobile device capacitive actuation button of the mobile device.

15. The mobile device protection device according to claim 2, wherein, The mobile device protection device button includes an embedded sliding element, and the mobile device protection device button is disposed in the groove of the mobile device protection device.

16. The mobile device protection device according to claim 15, wherein, The embedded sliding element is in the form of a conductive rod, a conductive ball, or a conductive bead.

17. The mobile device protection device according to claim 2, wherein, The mobile device protection device button includes a protective layer located between the mobile device protection device button and the mobile device capacitive actuation button.

18. The mobile device protection device according to claim 2, wherein, The buttons on the mobile device protection device also include a haptic feedback module.

19. The mobile device protective device according to claim 2, further comprising a back panel, wherein, The edge wall portion extends at least partially from the back plate.

20. The mobile device protective device of claim 16, further comprising a second edge wall portion, the second edge wall portion extending at least partially from the back panel.

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