Parallel-Travel Button Actuator for Off-Center Press Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional button assemblies fail to consistently activate electronic circuitry when pressed off-center due to tilt and space limitations, leading to inconsistent activation of switches.
Innovation Solution
The button assembly features separately pivotable wing members that rotate about separate pivot axes, connected by a torsion element, ensuring parallel movement and consistent activation even when pressed off-center, compensating for tilt and space constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional button assemblies are pressed off-center, then the button may be activated, but the activation is inconsistent due to tilt and space limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The button assembly is divided into separate functional components: a button body, a pivot mechanism with separate pivot axes for each wing member, and an actuator. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling the pivot mechanism to compensate for off-center pressing while maintaining reliable activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric pivot axes that are positioned at different locations and orientations to compensate for off-center pressing. The first and second pivot axes are arranged asymmetrically to counteract tilt in different directions, allowing the mechanism to maintain parallel movement of wing members even when pressed off-center.
2Volume of moving object
If the button assembly is designed for compact space, then space limitations are addressed, but tilt compensation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a rotational dimension by incorporating pivot axes that allow the wing members to rotate rather than simply translate. This rotational degree of freedom enables tilt compensation within a compact volume, as the rotation occurs in-place rather than requiring additional linear space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the pivot mechanism, specifically the positions and orientations of the pivot axes, to optimize both compactness and tilt compensation. By carefully selecting these parameters, the mechanism achieves reliable tilt compensation within a confined space.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides reliable and consistent activation of electronic switches despite off-center pressing, improving the reliability of button assemblies in confined spaces.
Implementation Method 1
a torsion element, the torsion element mechanically links the first wing member with the second wing member
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator mechanism may include a first wing including a first pair of actuator pins and a first pair of housing pins, a second wing including a second pair of actuator pins and a second pair of housing pins, and a torsion element. The torsion element mechanically links the first wing with the second wing. A keycap may be pivotably coupled to the first pair of actuator pins and to the second pair of actuator pins, and a housing member may be pivotably coupled to the first pair of housing pins and to the second pair of housing pins. In response to an actuator force applied onto the keycap, the first wing and the second wing act in cooperation with the torsion element to enable parallel movement of the first wing and the second wing to actuate an electrical contact.