Bow-Shaped Integrated Operating Buttons for Gap Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing independent operating button structure for electronic apparatuses, where buttons are arranged laterally and in parallel without gaps, faces challenges in reducing the number of components and simplifying assembly, as integral molding leads to increased gaps between adjacent buttons, thereby increasing costs and assembly time.
Innovation Solution
The operating device features integrated operating buttons arranged linearly with protruding portions at the ends that contact a peripheral edge, allowing the buttons to bend into a bow shape, reducing the gap between them and forming a single component, which simplifies assembly and reduces the number of components needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If operating buttons are integrally molded as a single component, then the number of components is reduced and assembly is simplified, but gaps between adjacent buttons increase
Solution Approach 1:
The operating buttons are designed with a bow-shaped curvature instead of a straight configuration. The tip of each button protrudes slightly toward adjacent buttons, creating an arch-like structure that allows the buttons to be integrally molded while minimizing visible gaps between them when viewed from the front.
Solution Approach 2:
The shape parameter of the buttons is changed from a straight linear arrangement to a bow-shaped curved arrangement. This parameter change allows the buttons to maintain visual continuity while being manufactured as a single integrated component, resolving the contradiction between component integration and gap reduction.
2Shape
If buttons are arranged laterally without gaps, then external appearance is improved, but molding becomes difficult and gaps of approximately 1 mm are formed
Solution Approach 1:
By introducing a bow-shaped curvature to the button arrangement, the design achieves the appearance of gapless lateral arrangement while maintaining manufacturability. The curved shape allows molding tools to access and form each button area effectively, preventing the 1 mm gaps that occur in straight parallel arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The button structure incorporates local variations in shape and positioning, with each button having a specific protrusion pattern tailored to its position in the sequence. This local quality optimization enables better molding performance while maintaining the overall gapless appearance when buttons are pressed.
3Manufacturing precision
If independent components are used for each button, then molding problems are solved, but cost and assembly man-hour increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple individual button components are merged into a single integrated operating button assembly. This combining approach maintains the manufacturing quality of individually formed buttons while eliminating the need for separate assembly operations, thereby reducing both cost and assembly man-hour.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrally molded button structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides individual button functionality for each operating position, maintains proper spacing and alignment, and enables simplified assembly as a single component. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between component independence and assembly efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
An operating panel includes: an operating unit for supporting an operating board; at least two integrated operating buttons supported on the operating unit and laterally arranged for selecting an operation; operating switches provided on the operating board coaxially with the operating buttons; an opening portion for placing the operating buttons of the operating unit; and a peripheral edge portion provided around the opening portion. Buttons at ends of the operating buttons include protruding portions having tips which contact the peripheral edge portion to intentionally bend the operating buttons into a bow shape.