Physical Button Waterproof Bracket for Slim Fingerprint Keys

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electronic devices face challenges in preventing moisture or water ingress through physical buttons, particularly fingerprint keys, which can compromise design aesthetics and functionality, and assembly complexity due to limited flange dimensions and high defect rates.

Innovation Solution

A physical button structure incorporating a support bracket, waterproof bracket, and fingerprint sensor module, which includes a waterproofing mechanism to prevent fluid ingress from multiple directions, ensuring the fingerprint sensor is sealed within the housing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a simple key shape with small key width is used for power key or volume key, then the device structure is simple, but moisture or water introduction is increased due to insufficient waterproofing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekey structure complexityVSAvoidmoisture introduction

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a nested waterproof bracket structure where multiple brackets are positioned at different depths within the housing. The first waterproof bracket is disposed at a first depth, the second waterproof bracket at a second depth greater than the first, creating layered protection. This nested arrangement provides comprehensive waterproofing without requiring complex external sealing mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a large flange dimension is provided for fingerprint key to prevent water ingress, then waterproofing is improved, but the design and exterior of the fingerprint key are damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater ingress preventionVSAvoidfingerprint key design

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of increasing the flange dimension in the horizontal plane (which would affect the fingerprint key's exterior design), the patent extends the waterproof protection in the vertical dimension by disposing waterproof brackets at different depths within the housing. This multi-level depth arrangement provides effective water ingress prevention while maintaining the original aesthetic design of the fingerprint key.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If moisture or water prevention structure is applied to side key, then waterproofing is improved, but assembly complexity increases due to FPCB connection requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoisture preventionVSAvoidassembly process

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the waterproof protection into segmented waterproof brackets positioned at different locations and depths within the housing. Each bracket independently provides protection for specific areas, allowing for modular assembly and simplifying the manufacturing process compared to integrated FPCB connection structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional waterproofing structure is used for physical button, then moisture prevention is improved, but device thickness increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoisture preventionVSAvoiddevice thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The nested arrangement of waterproof brackets at different depths within the existing housing structure provides effective moisture prevention without requiring additional external space. The brackets are integrated into the housing's internal volume, maintaining the device's original thickness while achieving comprehensive waterproofing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 solution provides enhanced waterproofing and water-inflow delay, protecting the fingerprint sensor and other components while maintaining device slimness and facilitating assembly, reducing defect rates and assembly complexity.

Implementation Method 1

the elastic sealing part is arranged between the steadier and the push button hole

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

an adhesive member is disposed between the waterproof bracket and the housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP3644337B1Electronic device including physical button structure

Publication Date: 2025.11.26 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

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AI summary

An electronic device includes a housing (160), a button hole 169 disposed on a side of the housing, a physical button 200 mounted in the button hole, a support bracket 280 that supports the physical button, and a waterproof bracket 290 that seals, on a side of the housing to which the button hole is adjacent, at least part of a specified area where the physical button and the support bracket are disposed. The waterproof bracket includes a first bracket 290a that makes close contact inside the housing in a direction toward a first surface of the housing and a second bracket 290b that extends from the first bracket while forming a predetermined angle with the first bracket and that makes close contact inside the housing in a direction toward a second surface of the housing that is different from the first surface of the housing.