Temperature Sensor Embedded in Button Member

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices with environmental sensors face the challenge of moisture ingress due to open ports, which can compromise the device's integrity and functionality.

Innovation Solution

Integrating environmental sensors, such as temperature sensors, into user input components like buttons, where the sensor is thermally isolated from the device's heat-generating components and partially embedded in the environment, using thermally conductive materials with insulating adhesives to prevent electrical connections and maintain thermal isolation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If environmental sensors are mounted in open ports, then environmental data collection is enabled, but moisture ingress risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental data collectionVSAvoidmoisture ingress

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The temperature sensor is integrated into the button member structure, merging the sensing function with an existing mechanical component. This eliminates the need for separate open ports while maintaining environmental exposure for accurate temperature measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The button member serves multiple functions: it acts as both a user input mechanism and a mounting structure for the temperature sensor. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional openings in the housing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Temperature

If sensors are integrated into button members, then thermal isolation from heat-generating components is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal isolationVSAvoidsensor integration

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The button member is designed with specific thermal properties - it is thermally isolated from heat-generating components at certain locations while maintaining thermal conductivity at the sensor mounting location. This local differentiation of thermal characteristics enables accurate temperature sensing without requiring complex overall thermal management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The button member acts as an intermediary structure between the external environment and the temperature sensor. It provides a thermally isolated platform that still allows the sensor to accurately measure environmental temperature while being protected from internal heat sources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If thermally conductive materials with insulating adhesives are used, then electrical isolation is maintained, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical isolationVSAvoidmanufacturing process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The button member utilizes composite material construction, combining thermally conductive materials with insulating adhesives in a single integrated component. This allows the part to simultaneously provide thermal pathways where needed while maintaining electrical isolation, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps for different material layers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 configuration allows for accurate environmental data collection while minimizing the risk of moisture ingress, ensuring the device's reliability and operational safety across varying temperatures.

Implementation Method 1

the sensor is thermally isolated from the device and that are at least partially embedded in the surrounding environment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

using thermally conductive materials with insulating adhesives to prevent electrical connections and maintain thermal isolation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentUS10012550B2Electronic devices with temperature sensors

Publication Date: 2018.07.03 APPLE INC

AI summary

An electronic device may be provided with electronic components such as buttons and environmental sensors. An environmental sensor may be temperature sensor for gathering temperature data associated with the environment surrounding the device. The temperature sensor may be mounted to a button member for the button. The button member may be an actuating member that moves within an opening in a device housing and that extends beyond an outer surface of the housing into the surrounding environment. The button member may be arranged so that an internal electronic switch is activated when the button member is moved within the opening. The button member may be thermally isolated from other device structures using insulating material on the button member. The button member may be formed from a thermally conductive material that transmits the temperature of environmental materials that contact the button member to the temperature sensor.