Elastomeric Compression Gasket Seal for Waterproof Side Keys
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sealing designs for mobile electronic devices fail to effectively waterproof side keys, allowing water and other liquids to ingress and render the devices ineffective when exposed to moisture.
Innovation Solution
A compression gasket seal system using an elastomeric resilient compression gasket that creates a water seal by default, with a design that includes a silicone piece sliding onto the button shaft, providing a dual function as a spring and seal, and accommodating non-binding sliding movement while controlling tactile feel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sealing designs are used for side keys, then the device structure remains simple, but water and liquids can ingress into the device interior
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is divided into multiple functional segments: an elastomeric compression gasket seal with outer and inner seal portions, a moveable side key with head and plunger, and a housing with designated surfaces. Each segment performs a specific sealing function, allowing effective waterproofing while maintaining manageable structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an elastomeric compression gasket seal that functions as a flexible sealing element. This elastomeric material can deform and conform to surfaces while maintaining sealing pressure, providing effective waterproofing without requiring complex rigid sealing structures.
2Reliability
If a compression gasket seal is used to create a water seal, then waterproofing effectiveness is improved, but the cost of materials and manufacturing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric compression gasket seal serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the primary water seal, acts as a spring to maintain sealing pressure, and accommodates the movement of the side key. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby controlling manufacturing costs while maintaining effective waterproofing.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression gasket seal automatically maintains sealing pressure through its elastic properties and the applied compression force. The system self-regulates the sealing force without requiring additional active components or complex control mechanisms, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while ensuring reliable waterproofing.
3Reliability
If the gasket seal surfaces are forced against button and housing surfaces under water pressure, then the seal effectiveness is improved, but the tactile feel and button responsiveness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The elastomeric compression gasket seal can deform and adjust its sealing pressure in response to external water pressure while still allowing the side key to move and provide tactile feedback. The seal maintains effectiveness under pressure without compromising button responsiveness through this dynamic adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing pressure parameter is optimized to balance two requirements: sufficient pressure to maintain an effective water seal when the device is submerged, and adequate flexibility to allow button movement and tactile feedback. The elastomeric material properties and compression force are selected to achieve this optimal parameter range.
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 seals and protects side keys from water and other liquids, ensuring the device functions in moist environments with improved tactile feedback and ease of use, while being cost-effective and reliable.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric compression gasket seal that is sandwiched between and contacts the moveable key and housing
Implementation Method 2
The compression gasket seal can provide a small silicone piece that will slide on to the shaft of the button
Implementation Method 3
When submerged, the water pressure will increase the seal by forcing the gasket surfaces against the button and housing surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device 28 with an effective water sealing button system 26 comprising a special compression gasket seal with compressive faces 30 and 32 and deformable annular seal portions 34 and 36 to dynamically seal a moveable side key 20 providing a button 22 against a housing 40 of the electronic device and accommodate non-binding sliding movement of the side key while controlling the spacing and tactile feel of the side key.