Button Sealing Structure for Liquid-Tight Electronic Housings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices with push buttons face challenges in sealing the opening to prevent liquid ingress, particularly when the buttons are large or have complex shapes, as they require significant force to compress the sealing member and increase the size and number of fixing members, which can lead to operational difficulties and aesthetic issues.
Innovation Solution
A sealing structure featuring a sealing member with a raised part and a holder that compresses the raised part between the standing wall and the holder, allowing for effective sealing without increasing the size and number of fixing members, even for large or complex buttons, by aligning the compressing direction with the mounting direction of the fixing member, thus reducing the yield strength required for the holder's fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If the button size is increased, then the sealing member size increases, but the force required to compress the sealing member increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing member is compressed in the thickness direction by a predetermined amount (20-40%) to achieve effective sealing. This parameter change in compression ratio allows the sealing member to maintain sealing effectiveness while reducing the overall force required, as the compression is applied efficiently in the thickness direction rather than requiring excessive lateral force.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing member is compressed in the thickness direction (vertical dimension) rather than in the horizontal plane. This dimensional approach to compression allows the sealing force to be applied more efficiently, reducing the total force required while maintaining sealing effectiveness across larger button areas.
2Area of moving object
If the button size is increased, then the fixing member size increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holder serves multiple functions: it fixes the sealing member in place, provides the compressing force in the thickness direction, and supports the overall structure. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate fixing members, reducing device complexity even as button size increases.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder integrates the sealing and fixing functions into a single component structure. By combining the compression mechanism and fixation structure, the design reduces the number of parts and simplifies the overall assembly, preventing complexity from increasing with button size.
3Reliability
If the sealing member is compressed more, then the sealing effectiveness improves, but the operational resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing member is compressed in the thickness direction by a predetermined amount (20-40%) to achieve optimal sealing effectiveness. This controlled parameter change ensures sufficient compression for reliable sealing while preventing excessive compression that would create operational resistance. The compression is applied efficiently in the thickness direction where it provides maximum sealing benefit with minimum operational impact.
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 solution ensures effective liquid-tight sealing of the opening regardless of button size or shape, reduces the size of the push button unit, enhances operability by minimizing key touch resistance, and maintains a clean aesthetic by keeping the holder from being exposed externally.
Implementation Method 1
A sealing structure featuring a sealing member with a raised part and a holder that compresses the raised part between the standing wall and the holder
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an electronic device includes a housing including an opening, a button disposed in the opening, a switch contained in the housing and operated by using the button, a wall extending in the housing from that part of the housing which surrounds the opening, a sealing member interposed between the button and the switch, covering the opening, and including an edge part extending along a peripheral surface of the wall, and a holder which presses the edge part of the sealing member against the peripheral surface of the wall.