Button Module Buffering Mechanism for Switch Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing button structures in electronic devices are prone to destruction when subjected to excessive force, as they exceed the maximum bearable force of the switch unit, leading to potential damage or failure.
Innovation Solution
A button module comprising a button cap, a follower, and an elastic member, where the elastic member is disposed in a movable cavity that varies in size with the movement of the follower, allowing it to absorb and disperse excessive force, thereby protecting the switch unit from damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a button structure is used to trigger switches, then the device can activate relevant functions, but the switch may be destroyed when a pressing force greater than the maximum bearable force is applied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a buffering structure comprising a buffer body and a buffer elastic component positioned between the button and the switch. The buffer elastic component (such as a spring or elastic element) is pre-configured to absorb excessive pressing forces before they reach the switch. When a user presses the button with force exceeding the switch's maximum bearable force, the buffer elastic component compresses and absorbs the excess energy, preventing the switch from being destroyed while still allowing normal operation.
2Power
If the button structure directly contacts the switch unit, then the pressing force can be transmitted effectively, but the switch unit cannot withstand excessive force and may be destroyed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a buffer body and buffer elastic component as intermediary elements between the button and the switch unit. The buffer body receives the pressing force from the button and transmits it to the switch unit through the buffer elastic component. This intermediary structure allows effective force transmission for normal operation while filtering out harmful excessive forces through the elastic deformation and energy absorption of the buffer elastic component.
3Reliability
If a buffering structure is added to protect the switch from excessive force, then the switch durability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer body is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support for the button assembly, guides the pressing motion, transmits force to the switch unit, and houses the buffer elastic component. The buffer elastic component simultaneously provides force transmission and excessive force absorption. This multi-functional design protects the switch from excessive force while minimizing the increase in device complexity by combining multiple functions into integrated components.
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 button module effectively absorbs and disperses excessive force applied to the button cap, ensuring the switch unit is not destroyed, even when forces exceed its maximum bearable limit, by compressing the elastic member to distribute the pressure, thus preventing damage and ensuring reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic member is disposed in the movable cavity, and two ends of the elastic member abut against the inner surface of the button cap and the follower respectively. An amount of compression of the elastic member is varied in response to the size of the movable cavity. When the button cap is in an unpressed state, the elastic member has a first amount of compression and a restoring force is generated by the elastic member.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a housing, a button module and a control board. The button module includes a button cap having a space, a follower movably disposed in the space, and an elastic member. A movable cavity is defined by a portion of the follower located in the space and an inner surface of the button cap. The elastic member is disposed in the movable cavity, and two ends of the elastic member respectively abut against the inner surface of the button cap and the follower. An amount of compression of the elastic member is varied in response to the size of the movable cavity. When the button cap is in an unpressed state, the elastic member has a first amount of compression and generates a restoring force; when the button cap is in a pressed state, the follower abuts against a switch unit of the control board correspondingly.