Button Waterproofing Structure with Light-Transmitting Rubber Sheet
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Solution Overview
Problem
On-vehicle audio equipment buttons are prone to water intrusion when exposed to rain or seawater, leading to design compromises that reduce the aesthetic appeal and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A button waterproofing structure featuring a rib on the panel, a light-transmitting rubber sheet held between the circuit board and the rib, with a contact portion and a light emitting element, ensuring water exclusion and maintaining a high-class design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the button is covered with a rubber sheet, then water intrusion is prevented, but the design grade and aesthetic appeal are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The rubber sheet is segmented into multiple functional zones: a waterproofing portion that seals gaps between buttons and the front panel, and a light-transmitting portion that allows LED light to pass through for aesthetic illumination. This segmentation enables different regions of the same component to serve different functions, resolving the conflict between waterproofing and design quality.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the rubber sheet have different optical properties: the waterproofing portion is opaque to block water, while the light-transmitting portion is transparent to allow light passage. This local differentiation of material properties enables the rubber sheet to simultaneously achieve waterproofing and maintain aesthetic appeal through light transmission.
2Reliability
If the button is covered with a rubber sheet, then water intrusion is prevented, but the light emission from the button is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The rubber sheet is divided into distinct functional regions including a light-transmitting portion that specifically allows LED light to pass through while the waterproofing portion maintains water sealing. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing light emission in specific areas while maintaining waterproofing in other areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The rubber sheet exhibits different optical transmission properties in different locations: the light-transmitting portion has high light transmission to allow button illumination, while the waterproofing portion has low light transmission but high water sealing capability. This local quality differentiation resolves the conflict between waterproofing and light emission.
3Reliability
If a rib structure is added to the panel, then water intrusion is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rib structure is merged with the waterproofing portion of the rubber sheet to form an integrated waterproofing assembly. The rib protrusions on the panel work together with the rubber sheet's waterproofing portion to seal gaps, combining structural support and waterproofing functions into a single integrated solution, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rib structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support to the panel, creates sealing surfaces for the waterproofing portion, and helps position the rubber sheet correctly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining effective waterproofing.
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 effectively prevents water intrusion while enhancing the design grade and aesthetic appeal by allowing the button to shine, ensuring the circuit board and light emitting element remain waterproof.
Implementation Method 1
a contact portion is provided on the rubber sheet so as to correspond to the button in such a manner as to be brought into contact with and separated from the circuit board by the elastic force of the rubber sheet
Implementation Method 2
a light emitting element is mounted on the circuit board so as to correspond to the button and is covered with the rubber sheet
Implementation Method 3
a light transmitting rubber sheet closes a space surrounded by the rib
Data Source
AI summary
Button holes 3 are formed in a front panel 2. Buttons 4 are arranged in the button holes 3, and a rib 7 convexly provided on the back surface of the front panel 2 surrounds the button holes 3. A light transmitting rubber sheet 11 closes a space 30 surrounded by the rib 7 and is held between a circuit board 15 and the rib 7. Contact portions 12 are provided on the rubber sheet 11 so as to be brought into contact with and separated from the circuit board 15 by the elastic force of the rubber sheet 11. Light emitting elements 17 are mounted on the circuit board 15 so as to correspond to the buttons 4, and are accommodated in accommodation concave portions 18 in the rubber sheet 11.