Capsule Speaker Push Button With Integrated Airtight Membrane

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing push buttons for speakers with curved external surfaces, such as capsule-shaped designs, face challenges with actuation mechanisms that are too short, require additional components for airtightness, and generate vibrations due to rigid materials, limiting customization and increasing assembly complexity and cost.

Innovation Solution

A push button design featuring an elongated actuation member, a flexible base with a rib, and an elastic membrane, integrated into the enclosure to ensure airtightness without additional parts, with customizable electrically conductive pads and vents to minimize vibrations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If prior art buttons with standard actuation mechanisms are used, then the button structure is simple and standardized, but the actuation mechanism is too short to reach the outer surface of the curved enclosure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactuation mechanism lengthVSAvoidbutton structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The actuation member is designed with a customized elongated shape and specific dimensional parameters to extend from the printed circuit board to the outer surface of the curved enclosure, resolving the length limitation of standard buttons while maintaining structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The button incorporates an elastic membrane that deforms dynamically when pressure is applied to the actuation member, enabling the button to adapt to the curved surface geometry while maintaining functional simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If prior art buttons are used, then standard components are available, but additional parts such as gaskets and adhesive foam are required to ensure the enclosure remains airtight

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenclosure airtightnessVSAvoidassembly components quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The button design integrates the sealing function directly into the button structure itself, combining the actuation mechanism and sealing elements into a single component that maintains enclosure airtightness without requiring separate gaskets or adhesive foam

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The button structure includes self-sealing features where the button itself maintains the airtight seal when installed, eliminating the need for additional sealing components and simplifying the assembly process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Strength

If rigid materials such as polyamide are used for buttons, then the button structure is strong and durable, but the button vibrates strongly when subjected to speaker vibrations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebutton material strengthVSAvoidbutton vibration
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The button incorporates an elastic membrane that can deform and absorb vibrations from the speaker, reducing vibration transmission while maintaining structural integrity and durability through the membrane's elastic properties

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 design allows for easy customization, compatibility with curved surfaces, acoustic sealing, and reduced vibrations, while maintaining a compact and robust structure.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic membrane, having a first end connected to a first end of the actuation member and a second end connected to the first face of the base between the first hole and the rib; the push button being arranged so that, when pressure is exerted on a second end of the actuating member, the diaphragm deforms and the actuating member undergoes a translational movement along the axis towards the base, and so that when the pressure ceases, the actuating member returns to its initial position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4664499A1Push button for a capsule-shaped loudspeaker enclosure
Publication Date: 2025.12.17 SAGEMCOM BROADBAND SAS
  • EP4664499A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4664499A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4664499A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Pushbutton, comprising: - an actuation member; - a flexible base, generally flat in shape, comprising a first hole and a rib extending from a first face of the base around the first hole; - an elastic membrane, having a first end connected to a first end of the actuation member and a second end connected to the first face of the base between the first hole and the rib; the pushbutton being arranged so that, when pressure is exerted on a second end of the actuation member, the membrane deforms and the actuation member undergoes a translational movement along the axis towards the base, and so that when the pressure ceases, the actuation member returns to its initial position.