Recessed BIOS Clear Button Preventing Accidental Touches

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for clearing BIOS settings are cumbersome and prone to accidental resets, leading to computer crashes and potential damage to internal components due to the risk of mistouch when using conventional jumper or slide switches at the input/output area.

Innovation Solution

A BIOS clear button with a recessed key and protruding protrusion portions is designed to be securely positioned at the input/output area, preventing accidental touches and featuring a light source for easy identification, allowing for safe and convenient BIOS setting resets without opening the computer housing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a slide switch is provided at the input/output area to clear BIOS settings, then users can clear BIOS settings without opening the housing, but the slide switch may be touched by mistake causing unpredictable errors

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveBIOS clearing operationVSAvoidsystem stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The key is nested within a recessed portion of the button body, creating a protected structure where the functional element (key) is enclosed by the button body and protrusion portions, preventing accidental contact while maintaining accessibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The design transitions from a flat slide switch to a three-dimensional button structure with recessed portions and protrusion portions, adding vertical and radial dimensions to protect the key from lateral accidental contact while maintaining operational accessibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of manufacture

If a jumper is electrically connected to specific pins to clear BIOS settings, then BIOS can be cleared, but the steps are troublesome and the jumper is too small to be lost

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveBIOS clearing processVSAvoidBIOS clearing operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The BIOS clearing function is extracted from the internal jumper mechanism and repositioned to an external button structure, allowing users to access and operate the clearing function without opening the computer housing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The button structure serves as an intermediary between the user and the BIOS clearing function, providing a safe, accessible interface that mediates between user interaction and the underlying electrical connection to the motherboard

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8069342B2Computer having a BIOS clear button which is capable of avoiding mistouch

Publication Date: 2011.11.29 ASUSTEK COMPUTER INC

AI summary

A computer and a BIOS clear button thereof are provided. The BIOS clear button is adapted to be electrically connected with a motherboard of the computer. The BIOS clear button includes a body, a key, and a connecting part. The body has a recessed portion and a plurality of protrusion portions disposed beside the recessed portion, wherein the protrusion portions protrude from the recessed portion. The key is disposed on the recessed portion, and the connecting part is connected to the body and is electrically connected with the motherboard.