Detachable Key Unit Sealing for Waterproof Electronic Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waterproof and dustproof electronic devices, such as calculators, face input failures due to dust entering through gaps between the key top and casing, necessitating a design that allows for easy disassembly and cleaning.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a detachable key unit and a sealing contact member, featuring a casing with an opening, a circuit board, and a contact member that can be easily disassembled for cleaning, utilizing an attachable and detachable key unit and a sealing mechanism with an elastic contact member and rib structure for enhanced sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the key unit is fixed to the casing to maintain sealing, then waterproof and dustproof property is improved, but ease of cleaning is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The key unit is divided into a separable component from the casing, allowing the key unit to be detached for cleaning while the casing remains intact. The engagement structure enables the key unit to be divided into removable parts that can be separated from the sealed casing body.
Solution Approach 2:
The key unit transitions from a fixed state during operation to a removable state for cleaning. The engagement structure allows dynamic switching between a sealed configuration (when engaged) and a disassembled configuration (when detached), enabling both waterproofing and cleaning accessibility.
2Ease of repair
If the key unit is made detachable for cleaning, then ease of cleaning is improved, but sealing property is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement structure is pre-designed with sealing features that automatically seal the opening when the key unit is attached. The sealing action occurs preliminarily upon engagement, ensuring waterproof and dustproof properties are established before the device is put into use.
Solution Approach 2:
A sealing element acts as an intermediary between the key unit and the casing. This intermediary component ensures that when the key unit is engaged, a reliable seal is formed at the interface, preventing dust and water penetration while allowing the key unit to be detached for cleaning.
3Reliability
If the contact member is made complex to improve sealing, then waterproof and dustproof property is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The contact member integrates multiple functions into a single component: electrical contact, sealing, and mechanical engagement. By merging these functions, the structure avoids the need for separate components for each function, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining effective sealing and electrical connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact member is designed as a multi-functional element that simultaneously provides electrical contact, sealing, and structural engagement. This universal component serves multiple purposes, reducing the total number of parts needed and simplifying the overall device structure while ensuring waterproof and dustproof properties.
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
Enables easy removal of dust and debris, improving the device's waterproof and dustproof performance by allowing disassembly for cleaning, while maintaining a high sealing property through the use of an elastic contact member and rib structure.
Implementation Method 1
contact member having a plurality of contact points corresponding to the electrodes, the contact member being provided so as to seal the opening
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a casing having an opening; a circuit board having a plurality of electrodes, which is provided inside the casing; a contact member having a plurality of contact points corresponding to the electrodes, which is provided so as to seal the opening; and a key unit (press-key unit) having a key operation unit corresponding to the contact points, which is provided to the opening. The key unit (press-key unit) is attached to the opening detachably.