Illuminated Button Spacer Structure to Prevent Substrate Collision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional button devices with light-emitting keytops risk hitting components on the substrate due to their flat receiving portions, leading to potential damage and malfunction.
Innovation Solution
A button device design featuring a light-transmissive keytop, spacer, and substrate with a light-emitting section, where the spacer has a protruding portion that presses a detection section upon keytop pressing, reducing the risk of collision with substrate components by arranging the spacer's central portion above its outer edge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the receiving portion is made flat to simplify structure, then device complexity is reduced, but the receiving portion may hit components on the substrate causing reliability issues
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer transitions from a flat two-dimensional structure to a three-dimensional structure with a protruding portion that extends downward toward the detection section. This dimensional change allows the spacer to press the detection section while its outer edge portion remains elevated above the substrate, preventing collision with components on the substrate.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer is divided into distinct functional portions: a central portion with a protruding portion that presses the detection section, and an outer edge portion that forms the receiving portion. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function independently - the protruding portion for detection and the outer edge portion for receiving key input without hitting substrate components.
2Reliability
If the spacer is positioned higher to avoid hitting substrate components, then reliability is improved, but detection sensitivity may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer utilizes vertical positioning to resolve the contradiction. The outer edge portion is positioned higher above the substrate to avoid collision, while the protruding portion extends downward to maintain close proximity to the detection section, ensuring detection sensitivity is not compromised.
3Length of stationary object
If the keytop and spacer are made thin to reduce device thickness, then device thickness is reduced, but the clicking feel may be weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The keytop features a curved surface that slopes downward toward the center, creating a natural arc shape. This curvature allows the keytop to flex and return smoothly, providing a satisfying clicking feel even when the overall device thickness is reduced. The curved geometry distributes stress effectively during pressing.
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 minimizes the likelihood of spacer collision with substrate elements, enhances detection sensitivity, and reduces device thickness while maintaining a clicking feel, ensuring reliable operation and reduced component damage.
Implementation Method 1
at least a part of the keytop is light-transmissive... at least a part of the spacer is light-transmissive... light-emitting section... detection section
Data Source
AI summary
An example of a button device includes a keytop, a spacer and a substrate. At least a part of the keytop is light-transmissive. The spacer is provided below the keytop and at least a part of the spacer is light-transmissive. The substrate is provided below the spacer and has a light-emitting section and a detection section on an upper surface. A lower surface of a central portion of the keytop is located on an upper side relative to a lower surface of an outer edge portion around the central portion. The spacer includes a protruding portion protruding in a downward direction. The protruding portion presses the detection section in response to movement of the spacer in the downward direction due to the keytop being pressed.