Conductive Button Structure for Interference-Free Touch Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current game controller buttons experience short usage life due to frequent interference among electronic circuits and reduced sensitivity, primarily caused by the integration of button pillars which lack mutual conductivity and are prone to interference.
Innovation Solution
A button structure design featuring conductive supporting elements with integrated elastic elements and conductive elements, separated by concave portions and elastic covers, which allow for touch sensing capability while preventing interference by ensuring electrical connectivity through protruding pillars and through-holes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If button pillars are integrally molded to the middle layer, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but electronic circuits are easily interfered with one another
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the button structure into separate components: the middle layer and the button pillars are no longer integrally molded together. Instead, the button pillars are formed as separate conductive elements that can be independently positioned and connected to the circuit board, preventing electronic circuit interference while maintaining manufacturing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary structure between the button pillars and the middle layer, where the button pillars are connected to the circuit board through conductive switches rather than being directly integrated with the middle layer. This intermediary connection prevents electronic interference while maintaining the structural integrity and functionality of the button assembly.
2Ease of manufacture
If the middle layer and circuit board are without being mutually conductive, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but button structure sensitivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making specific regions conductive rather than the entire middle layer. The button pillars are formed as conductive elements at specific locations where they contact the circuit board through conductive switches, providing necessary electrical connectivity for sensitivity while maintaining manufacturing simplicity for the non-conductive portions of the middle layer.
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 prevents mutual interference among electronic circuits, enhances sensitivity, and maintains touch sensing capability by ensuring proper electrical contact and separation of conductive elements, thereby extending the lifespan of the button structure.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic element is disposed to bottom surfaces of the plurality of the supporting elements
Implementation Method 2
The plurality of the conductive elements are disposed between the elastic element and the circuit board
Data Source
AI summary
A button structure includes a plurality of supporting elements, an elastic element, a plurality of conductive elements, a circuit board, and a plurality of key caps mounted around the plurality of the supporting elements. Each supporting element has a base portion. The elastic element is disposed to bottom surfaces of the plurality of the supporting elements. Several portions of a top surface of the elastic element are recessed downward to form a plurality of concave portions. Middles of top surfaces of the plurality of the concave portions extend upward to form a plurality of elastic covers. The plurality of the conductive elements are disposed to top surfaces of insides of the plurality of the elastic covers. The circuit board is disposed to a bottom surface of the elastic element. The plurality of the conductive elements are disposed between the elastic element and the circuit board.