Button Vent Structure for Hidden Airflow and Moisture Blocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vent holes on electronic devices for air circulation degrade the aesthetic appearance and design integrity, and can lead to performance limitations due to heating and temperature differences.
Innovation Solution
A button device with a button member covering the key and vent holes, a substrate member, a waterproof member, and a conduit for air circulation, which maintains the vent hole's functionality while being concealed from view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If vent holes are formed on the outer surface for air circulation, then heat dissipation and temperature management are improved, but the aesthetic appearance and design integrity are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
A waterproof member with a sealing part is introduced as an intermediary component between the vent hole and the external environment. The sealing part protrudes to surround the vent hole perimeter and makes close contact with the outer wall, concealing the vent hole while allowing air circulation through the conduit system. This mediator resolves the contradiction by hiding the functional opening from view while maintaining its thermal management function.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves the vent hole from the two-dimensional outer surface to the three-dimensional internal structure through a conduit. The conduit connects the inner space to the outside through the waterproof member, effectively relocating the opening to another spatial dimension where it is not visible from the exterior while still providing air circulation pathways.
2Temperature
If vent holes are formed for air circulation, then temperature management is improved, but moisture introduction and waterproofing are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The waterproof member applies local quality differentiation by providing selective permeability. The sealing part surrounding the vent hole perimeter allows air molecules to pass through for thermal management while blocking larger moisture molecules. This local quality control enables the system to permit beneficial air circulation while preventing harmful moisture intrusion at the specific location of the vent hole.
Solution Approach 2:
The waterproof member acts as an intermediary barrier between the air circulation pathway and the moisture environment. It mediates the interaction between air flow and moisture by allowing thermal exchange through air while preventing water ingress, thus resolving the contradiction between ventilation and waterproofing requirements.
3Productivity
If vent holes are formed on the outer surface, then air circulation efficiency is improved, but design complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The waterproof member combines multiple functions into a single integrated component: it provides waterproofing, conceals the vent hole, and manages air circulation through its conduit structure. By merging these functions into one element rather than using separate components, the design reduces overall structural complexity while maintaining air circulation efficiency.
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
Enhances air circulation efficiency, reduces performance throttling, and prevents dewing and joint phenomena, while maintaining design aesthetics and reducing material waste.
Implementation Method 1
a conduit configured to connect an inner space of the electronic device to the outside of the electronic device through the vent hole
Implementation Method 2
a waterproof cover disposed on the conduit so as to block moisture from being introduced through the vent hole
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
An electronic device, according to various embodiments disclosed in the present document, may comprise: a housing; a key hole and a vent hole formed in the housing; a body portion disposed in a first direction with respect to the outer wall of the housing so as to cover the key hole and the vent hole; a button member including a button protrusion inserted into the key hole; a substrate member disposed to face the outer wall of the housing in a second direction opposite to the first direction and including a switch pressed by the button protrusion of the button member so as to generate an electrical signal; a base disposed between the housing and the substrate member so as to cover the substrate member; a waterproof member including a sealing part which protrudes from the base in the second direction so as to surround at least one of the key hole and the vent hole, and at least a portion of which is in close contact with the outer wall of the housing; a conduit for connecting the internal space of the electronic device to the outside of the electronic device through the vent hole; and a waterproof cover disposed on the conduit so as to block moisture flowing in through the vent hole. Various other embodiments may be possible.