Dome Click Switch Strain Sensing for Waterproof Tactile Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switches with strain detecting elements have complex manufacturing processes, making them difficult to produce, and often lack operational feel and waterproofing.
Innovation Solution
A switch design featuring a base with a recessed portion housing a dome-shaped click spring, a cover, and a strain detecting element attached to the opposite surface, which detects strain from the click spring's depression, allowing for easy manufacturing and providing operational feel without electrical conductivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the strain detecting element is provided directly on the base or within the device, then the switching function can be detected, but the manufacturing process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The strain detecting element is separated from the base structure and attached to the back surface of the base rather than being integrated directly into the base or housing. This segmentation allows the detection element to be installed independently on the back surface, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining the detection function.
Solution Approach 2:
The strain detecting element is positioned on the back surface of the base, utilizing the z-dimension (depth/thickness direction) rather than requiring integration within the planar structure of the base or housing. This dimensional relocation simplifies manufacturing by allowing the detection element to be attached from the opposite side of where the click spring operates.
2Reliability
If a pressure-sensitive conductive sheet or sensor is provided within the device, then switching detection is enabled, but the manufacturing process becomes complicated and waterproofing is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The strain detecting element is extracted from the internal structure of the base and positioned on the back surface. This extraction eliminates the need for complex internal routing and integration that would compromise waterproofing, while still enabling switching detection through strain measurement of the base.
3Ease of operation
If the click spring is housed within the base, then operational feel is provided, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base serves multiple functions: it provides the structural support for the switch, houses the click spring to provide operational feel, and has its back surface serve as the mounting location for the strain detecting element. This multi-functionality reduces overall structural complexity while maintaining operational quality.
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 simplifies manufacturing, enhances operational feel, and ensures waterproofing by detecting switch states through strain without electrical conduction, improving stability and longevity.
Implementation Method 1
a click spring (120) having a dome shape, the click spring being provided at the recessed portion such that the bottom of the recessed portion is contacted at a dome-shaped opening side of the click spring
Implementation Method 2
a strain detecting element (150) attached to another surface of the base, wherein the strain detecting element is configured to detect strain of the base, the strain occurring in accordance with a depression amount of the click spring that is depressed
Data Source
AI summary
A switch according to the present invention includes a base including a recessed portion on one surface of the base; a click spring having a dome shape, the click spring being provided at the recessed portion such that the bottom of the recessed portion is contacted at a dome-shaped opening side of the click spring; a cover provided to cover the recessed portion and to house the click spring at the recessed portion; and a strain detecting element attached to another surface of the base. The strain detecting element is configured to detect strain of the base, the strain occurring in accordance with a depression amount of the click spring that is depressed.