Concealed Button Structure With Seal and Damping Travel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accessory devices for electronic devices often have visible internal button features, which detract from aesthetics and can impede the necessary travel for proper functionality.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of indirectly coupled buttons with compressible members and structural modifications, such as compressible layers and seals, to conceal internal features and minimize unwanted movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a thicker wall is provided for the accessory device to hide internal button features, then aesthetics are improved, but the minimum travel needed for button functionality is impeded
Solution Approach 1:
The button is nested within the accessory device wall structure, with the button body positioned inside the wall thickness. The button head extends through the outer surface while the button body and actuation mechanism are contained within the wall, allowing the wall to conceal internal features while maintaining adequate button travel distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The button structure transitions from a traditional external mounting approach to an integrated internal positioning approach. The button is positioned in a recessed area of the wall with its actuation path oriented perpendicular to the wall surface, utilizing the wall thickness as the button travel dimension rather than requiring external space.
2Ease of manufacture
If internal button features are made visible, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but aesthetics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The button structure is nested within the wall assembly, with the button body, pillars, and actuation mechanism contained within the wall thickness. This integration allows standard manufacturing processes to produce aesthetically pleasing results without requiring additional complex components or assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The button structure is merged with the wall assembly as a single integrated component. The button body, support pillars, and wall structure are formed together or pre-assembled as a unified unit, eliminating the need for separate fastening mechanisms and reducing manufacturing complexity while achieving clean external aesthetics.
3Device complexity
If the button is directly coupled to the accessory device wall, then structural simplicity is maintained, but internal features become visible and button movement is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The button is nested within the wall structure with its body positioned inside the wall thickness and its head extending through the outer surface. This nested configuration provides a clean external appearance while maintaining a straightforward structural relationship between the button and wall, avoiding the need for complex mounting hardware.
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
Conceals internal button features, enhances aesthetics, and maintains functional travel of the buttons while preventing rattling and noise.
Implementation Method 1
a compressible member positioned between the first pillar and the second pillar
Implementation Method 2
a seal integrated with the button and extending from the second button surface
Data Source
AI summary
An accessory device with a button includes modifications and features to conceal internal features of the button as well as block light from passing through some locations of the button. The button may include several pillars and a compressible member between the pillars. The compressible member may conform to the shape of the pillars. In some exemplary implementations, the button may further include a seal that extends around the perimeter of the button to conceal internal features of the button. Additionally, the button may include extensions that further conceal internal components. Still further, the button may include an anti-reflective coating. Modifications to a sidewall may include a compressible member that inclines toward the button and/or an elevated lip used in conjunction with the extension of the button to conceal internal features.