Button Key Assembly with Vertical Elastic Arms for Compact Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional button key assemblies face challenges in reducing the pitch between adjoining button keys and downsizing the operation panel, while also increasing the number of components and assembly steps, making cost reduction difficult.
Innovation Solution
A button key assembly is designed with a first and second button key unit, where the button keys are supported via elastic arm members, with the second unit's keys arranged in narrower vacant spaces, allowing for overlapping and reduced pitch without compromising mechanical operational capability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If elastic arm members are formed horizontally between adjoining button keys, then button keys can be supported and operated, but the pitch between button keys cannot be decreased and the operation panel cannot be downsized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the elastic arm members from a horizontal arrangement to a vertical arrangement, utilizing the depth dimension of the button key structure. The elastic arm members are positioned in vertical holes extending from the front surface to the rear surface of the button keys, allowing the operation panel to be downsized in the horizontal plane while maintaining button operability through vertical elastic deformation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If independent button keys are arranged individually, then each button can be independently positioned, but the number of components and assembly steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple button keys into a single integrated button key assembly where multiple button keys are arranged in an array and collectively supported by a common frame member. This integration reduces the total number of separate components and simplifies assembly, while still allowing independent positioning and operation of each button key through individual vertical holes and elastic arm members.
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
This design enables a more compact operation panel layout with reduced pitch between button keys, maintaining operability and functionality, while simplifying assembly and potentially lowering costs by reducing the number of components and assembly steps.
Implementation Method 1
a frame member configured to support the plurality of button keys via elastic arm members
Data Source
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AI summary
A button key assembly of an operation panel includes button key units (18). Each button key unit (18) includes button keys (8,9,12,13,15) and a frame member (26). The button keys are arranged corresponding to switches on a substrate (17) provided at the operation panel. The frame member (26) supports the button keys (8,9,12,13,15) via elastic arm members (25). The button key units (18) are superposed one over the other to form the button key assembly. At least one of the button key units (§8) includes a supporting space (29) having a width sufficient for supporting the button keys via the elastic arm members, and a vacant space (28,38) disposed adjacent to the supporting space on a side closer to the elastic arm members and having a width narrower than the width of the supporting space. A button key of another button key unit superposed on the at least one button key unit is arranged in the vacant space.