Elastic Sheet Waterproofing for Lever Switches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices with lever switches face challenges in achieving a waterproof structure without hindering the lever operation, as conventional waterproof members obstruct the lever's functionality.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device design featuring a housing member with a cover member and an elastic sheet that includes a bottomed cylindrical portion to house the lever switch, allowing for waterproofing while enabling unobstructed lever operation by directing water accumulation and applying operating forces effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a waterproof member such as a waterproof sheet or waterproof rubber is used to cover the window, then waterproofing performance is improved, but the lever operation is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The waterproof structure is segmented into multiple functional zones: the elastic sheet covers the opening for waterproofing, while a bottomed cylindrical portion is created as a separate operational zone that allows lever movement. This segmentation enables different parts of the waterproof structure to serve different functions - one for sealing and another for operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The bottomed cylindrical portion acts as an intermediary element between the lever portion and the elastic sheet. It provides a pathway through the waterproof structure that allows the lever to move freely while maintaining the overall waterproof seal. The cylindrical portion mediates between the conflicting requirements of sealing and operation.
2Ease of operation
If the lever portion is exposed through the window, then lever operation is enabled, but water can enter through the window into the device main body
Solution Approach 1:
An elastic sheet (flexible thin film) is used to cover the opening in the housing member. This flexible film can deform to accommodate lever operation while maintaining the waterproof barrier. The thin film structure allows for both sealing and movement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever portion is nested within the bottomed cylindrical portion that protrudes from the elastic sheet. This nested structure allows the lever to be positioned within the waterproof seal area while still enabling operation through the elastic sheet without compromising the waterproof barrier.
3Reliability
If a waterproof structure is implemented with conventional methods, then waterproofing is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic sheet serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the waterproof seal for the opening, acts as the operational surface for lever input, and forms the bottomed cylindrical portion that guides lever movement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The waterproof sealing function and the lever operation guidance function are merged into a single integrated structure - the elastic sheet with its bottomed cylindrical portion. This combination eliminates the need for separate sealing rings, guides, or operational surfaces that would increase complexity.
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 effectively prevents water from entering the device while allowing smooth lever operation, ensuring both waterproofing and functionality of the lever switch.
Implementation Method 1
a sheet-like elastic member having a waterproof property can be used
Implementation Method 2
an elastic sheet arranged at a rear surface side of the cover member to cover the opening of the housing member
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device in which a waterproof structure is formed without hindering a lever operation to a lever switch is provided. A device main body has a housing member in which an opening is provided to house a switch main body, and a cover member that is engaged to the housing member to form at least a part of the front surface of the device main body, and the device main body has an elastic sheet arranged at a rear surface side of the cover member to cover the opening of the housing member, having a shape extending to a position overlapping with engaging surfaces between the housing member and the cover member, and having an outer edge portion interposed between the engaging surfaces of the housing member and the cover member, and a bottomed cylindrical portion that projects from a front surface of the elastic sheet.