Directional Pad Button Structure for Higher Contact Sensitivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional directional pad buttons in game controllers have limited contact areas and sensitivity due to the shape of the conductive elasticity element, resulting in reduced sensing effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A button structure comprising a directional pad with a metal sheet between the base and pad, a spring connecting to a circuit board, and a conductive elastic element, where the spring and circuit board are electrically connected through an ultrasonic fusion process, enhancing conductivity and sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional conductive elasticity element is used, then the button structure is simple, but the contact area between the conductive key and the conductive elasticity element is limited, resulting in reduced sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive elasticity element is divided into multiple segments (first conductive elasticity element and second conductive elasticity element) that can independently deform. This segmentation increases the contact area between the conductive key and the elasticity element, thereby improving sensitivity while maintaining structural simplicity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive elasticity element transitions from a traditional single-dimension linear structure to a multi-dimensional configuration with first and second elements arranged in different spatial orientations. This dimensional change enables greater contact area and improved sensing capability without significantly increasing overall structural complexity
2Measurement precision
If the conductive elasticity element is constrained by its shape, then the manufacturing is simple, but the contact area is limited, reducing sensing effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The elasticity element is segmented into multiple independent conductive elements that can be manufactured separately using standard processes, then assembled together. This approach improves sensing effectiveness through increased contact area while maintaining ease of manufacture by using conventional manufacturing methods for each segment
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple conductive elasticity elements are combined within a single button structure to achieve enhanced sensing effectiveness. The merging of several simple-to-manufacture elements creates a complex functional outcome without requiring complex manufacturing processes
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 enhanced button structure improves sensing effectiveness by ensuring mutual conductivity between the circuit board and metal sheet, thereby increasing the sensitivity and responsiveness of the directional pad.
Implementation Method 1
the spring and circuit board are electrically connected through an ultrasonic fusion process
Implementation Method 2
the circuit board and the spring are mutually conductive, so that the circuit board and the metal sheet are mutually conductive
Data Source
AI summary
A button structure includes a circuit board, an elastic element mounted on the circuit board, a hollow base mounted to a top of the elastic element, a directional pad mounted on the base, a metal sheet connected to an inner surface of the directional pad, and a conductive elastic monomer. The conductive elastic monomer is disposed in the directional pad. The conductive elastic monomer is disposed in a middle of the base. A top end of the conductive elastic monomer is connected to the metal sheet, and a bottom end of the conductive elastic monomer has a connecting end extending downward. The bottom end of the conductive elastic monomer is connected to the elastic element. The connecting end passes through the elastic element and the circuit board. The circuit board is electrically connected to the connecting end.