Button Seal Structure for Aerosol Device Liquid Ingress Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol-generating devices face issues with external materials, such as liquids, entering through the region around the button key, and there is a need for a stable sealing structure to prevent this.
Innovation Solution
An aerosol-generating device with a seal disposed between the circuit board and the body, featuring a central portion facing the button key and a peripheral portion in contact with the body, supported by an actuator and a support projecting from the circuit board to stabilize the peripheral portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sealing structure is added around the button key to prevent external material entry, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is integrated within the button assembly structure, with the button key, seal, and actuator forming a nested configuration where the seal is positioned between the button key and circuit board, and the actuator is mounted between the circuit board and the seal. This nesting approach provides sealing functionality without adding external components.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal is made of elastic material that can deform to accommodate the button key movement while maintaining the sealing function. The elastic seal provides a flexible barrier that prevents external materials from entering through the buttonhole region.
2Reliability
If a seal is disposed between the circuit board and body to prevent liquid entry, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides sealing between the circuit board and body, supports the peripheral portion of the button assembly, and works with the actuator to maintain sealing during button operation. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic seal automatically maintains sealing contact through its inherent elasticity, providing self-adjusting sealing pressure that compensates for manufacturing tolerances and assembly variations without requiring additional adjustment mechanisms.
3Reliability
If an actuator is mounted to provide elastic force to the seal, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator serves as an intermediary component that converts button key movement into sealing force, mounted between the circuit board and the seal. This intermediary mechanism ensures consistent sealing pressure while isolating the seal from direct mechanical stress.
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
Prevents external materials from entering the device through the button key region and ensures stable coupling and support of the sealing structure, protecting internal components and maintaining device functionality.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator mounted between the circuit board and the central portion of the seal to provide elastic force to the central portion toward the button key
Data Source
AI summary
An aerosol-generating device is disclosed. The aerosol-generating device of the disclosure includes An aerosol-generating device comprising: a body with a buttonhole; a button key configured to be inserted into the buttonhole; a circuit board disposed inside the body to face button key; a seal disposed between the circuit board and the body, wherein the seal comprises a central portion positioned to face the button key and a peripheral portion surrounding a periphery of the buttonhole and in contact with the body; an actuator mounted between the circuit board and the central portion of the seal to provide elastic force to the central portion toward the button key; and a support projecting from the circuit board toward the peripheral portion for supporting the peripheral portion.