Electronic Device Key Assembly Using Intermediary Dummy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices face challenges with home key assembly, including deformation during press-fitting, increased manufacturing costs due to the need for waterproofing, and defects in the sense of clicking, which complicate assembly and disassembly.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device design featuring a key with a key switch mounted on its rear surface, housed in a through-hole of the device, and supported by a detachable dummy, allowing for easier assembly and disassembly, and using adhesive members for waterproofing without additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If press-fitting is used to assemble the home key into the bracket, then the key is securely fixed, but the flange deforms causing damage and requiring separate waterproofing members
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dummy as an intermediary component between the key and the bracket. The dummy absorbs the press-fitting force and prevents direct deformation of the key's flange. The dummy is designed with a receiving portion that fits into the bracket's hole and a pressing portion that contacts the key's flange, acting as a mediator to distribute stress and prevent damage during assembly.
2Strength
If press-fitting is used to assemble the home key, then secure fixation is achieved, but separate waterproofing members are required increasing manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the dummy component with the waterproofing function. The dummy is designed to include both the mechanical support function (receiving portion fitting into the bracket hole) and the waterproofing function (sealing portion that blocks fluid introduction). This integration eliminates the need for separate waterproofing members, reducing component count and manufacturing cost while maintaining secure fixation.
3Ease of manufacture
If semi-modular structure with separate key switch is used, then assembly is possible, but the rear surface alignment defect reduces sense of clicking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the key and key switch into a single integrated unit. The key switch is mounted directly on the rear surface of the key, ensuring proper alignment between the key's pressing surface and the key switch's actuating surface. This integration eliminates the alignment defects associated with semi-modular structures, providing a proper sense of clicking while maintaining assembly capability.
4Ease of manufacture
If through-hole is formed in bracket for key assembly, then key installation is enabled, but fluid introduction occurs requiring waterproofing
Solution Approach 1:
The dummy acts as an intermediary barrier between the through-hole in the bracket and the internal components. The dummy's receiving portion fits into the through-hole while its sealing portion blocks fluid introduction. This allows the key to be installed through the through-hole while preventing fluid from entering the device interior, solving both installation and waterproofing requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are various embodiments relating to an electronic device that includes a key An electronic device may include a housing having a through-hole formed therein. A key may be exposed through the through-hole and configured to be pressed. A key switch may be located on a rear surface of the key, wherein the key structure may be configured to enable the key to be pressed and to detect the press of the key. Moreover, a structure provided on a lower portion of the housing may be able to bear a pressure exerted by a user when pressing the key in a direction opposite the housing. Further, a dummy detachably provided between the housing and the structure, wherein the dummy, when being attached, may support the key and the key switch such that both are capable of being pressed in the through-hole toward the direction of the structure.