Button Assembly Restrictor Member Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing button assemblies produce undesirable loud noise due to the fast snapping action of the metal dome collapsing inwardly when a pressing force is applied, which is not effectively mitigated by current designs.
Innovation Solution
A button assembly comprising a platform with two electrodes, a dome member made of electrically conductive material, an interface member with a compression member, a restrictor member, and an elastic member that connects the restrictor and compression members, where the distance between the platform and the restrictor member is less than the distance between the electrodes, slowing the dome's collapse and reducing noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the dome member collapses inwardly quickly to establish electrical connection, then the response speed is improved, but the noise generated increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member is pre-installed between the restrictor member and compression member to provide cushioning before the dome collapses. When the dome collapses inwardly, the elastic member absorbs the impact energy and slows down the collapse speed, preventing the fast snapping action that generates noise. This prior cushioning arrangement resolves the contradiction by maintaining electrical connection functionality while reducing noise through controlled deceleration.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member acts as an intermediary element between the restrictor member and compression member. It mediates the force transmission during dome collapse, converting the rapid mechanical impact into a slower, controlled compression process. This intermediary mechanism allows the dome to establish electrical connection while the elastic member absorbs the harmful impact energy, thereby reducing noise generation.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the distance between the platform and restrictor member is reduced to slow dome collapse, then the noise is reduced, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interface member merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: the restrictor member that limits dome collapse distance, the compression member that transmits force, and the elastic member that provides cushioning. By combining these elements into one interface member assembly, the patent reduces noise through controlled collapse while avoiding the complexity of separate, independently adjusted components.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member automatically adjusts the collapse dynamics based on the pre-set distance between the restrictor member and platform. The system is self-regulating - when the dome collapses, the elastic member naturally compresses to the extent allowed by the restrictor member's position, providing automatic noise control without requiring external control mechanisms or complex adjustment systems.
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 effectively reduces the noise generated by the button assembly by slowing the collapse of the dome member through elastic and compressive forces, providing a quieter operation compared to traditional designs.
Implementation Method 1
at least one elastic member which connects the restrictor member and the compression member
Implementation Method 2
a compression member which is attached to the dome member at a position which overlays said at least one other of the at least two electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
According to the present invention there is provided a button assembly, comprising, a platform having at least two electrodes; a dome member which comprises electrically conductive material, wherein the dome member is electrically connected to at least one of said at least two electrodes, and the dome is arranged so that at least a portion of the dome member overlays at least one other of the at least two electrodes, so that when the dome member is selectively collapsed inwardly by the application of force, the dome member will electrically contact said at least one other of the at least two electrodes, so that in its collapse state the dome member electrically connects the at least one of said at least two electrodes with the at least one other of the at least two electrodes; an interface member which comprises, (a) a compression member which is attached to the dome member at a position which overlays said at least one other of the at least two electrodes; (b) a restrictor member which is configured such that it projects towards the platform and the distance between the platform and the restrictor member is less than the distance between said at least one other of the at least two electrodes and portion of the dome which overlays at least one other of the at least two electrodes, and (c) at least one elastic member which connects the restrictor member and the compression member.