Capacitive Button Assembly Without Glass Holes or Wires
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic devices with button devices connected to touch panels via wires face issues such as rigidity degradation, cracking, and moisture ingress through wire passage or button mounting holes, leading to increased manufacturing costs and complex assembly/disassembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A button device design that eliminates the need for wire connecting or button mounting holes in the touch panel unit, utilizing a conductive frame, inner conductive part, support part, and adhesive conductive part to transfer electrostatic energy, while incorporating waterproofing features and a locking mechanism for easy assembly and replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If wire passage holes or button mounting holes are formed in the glass part to connect button device to circuit board, then the button device can be connected to the circuit board, but the rigidity of the glass part is reduced and cracks can occur around the holes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the wire passage holes and button mounting holes from the glass part by extracting the wire-based connection method. Instead, it uses a direct mechanical coupling between the button device and circuit board through positioning protrusions and recesses, eliminating the harmful holes while maintaining electrical connection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning protrusion and recess structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical positioning, structural support, and maintains the integrity of the glass part without requiring separate holes for wiring. This multi-functional design resolves the contradiction between ease of manufacture and structural strength.
2Ease of manufacture
If wire passage holes or button mounting holes are formed in the glass part, then the button device can be connected to the circuit board, but moisture or water can enter the display unit through the holes
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the holes from the glass part through the positioning protrusion-recess mechanism, the patent eliminates the pathways for moisture and water to penetrate into the display unit, while still achieving the necessary electrical and mechanical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning protrusion and recess act as an intermediary structure that enables connection between the button device and circuit board without requiring holes in the glass part, thereby preventing moisture ingress while maintaining functionality.
3Reliability
If screws or latch parts are used to fix the button device to the glass part, then the button device can be securely fixed, but the installation structure becomes complicated and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fixing function into the positioning protrusion-recess structure itself, eliminating the need for separate screws or latch parts. The positioning structures provide both positioning and securing functions in an integrated manner, simplifying the installation structure while maintaining reliability.
4Reliability
If screws or latch parts are used to fix the button device, then the button device can be securely fixed, but the disassembly and assembly time and repair cost remarkably increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the fixing function into the positioning protrusion-recess structure, the patent enables quick release and reassembly without requiring tools or complex procedures. The merged design allows the button device to be securely fixed during operation but easily removed when needed, reducing both time and cost.
5Strength
If the thickness of the glass part is increased to reinforce the rigidity, then the rigidity of the glass part is improved, but the manufacturing costs increase and touch sensitivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for increased glass thickness by extracting the hole-formation step and using the positioning protrusion-recess structure. This maintains the full rigidity of the original glass part without requiring additional thickness, thereby avoiding increased manufacturing costs and preserving touch sensitivity.
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 design enhances the rigidity and durability of the touch panel unit, reduces manufacturing costs, prevents moisture ingress, and simplifies the assembly and repair process by eliminating the need for screws or latches, allowing for quick and easy replacement of components.
Implementation Method 1
an adhesive conductive part which is coupled to the frame part, is bonded to a touch panel unit, and comes into contact with the inner conductive part to transfer the electrostatic energy of the inner conductive part to the touch panel unit when the button part moves
Data Source
AI summary
A button device for an electronic device is provided including a frame part including a conductive material, a button part movably coupled to the frame part, an inner conductive part which is disposed in the button part to be moved with the button part and receives electrostatic energy caused by an electrostatic capacitance of the frame part, a support part coupled to the frame part to elastically support the button part, and an adhesive conductive part which is coupled to the frame part, is bonded to a touch panel unit, and comes into contact with the inner conductive part to transfer the electrostatic energy of the inner conductive part to the touch panel unit when the button part moves.