Game Machine Push-Button Waterproofing via Segmented Discharge Path

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing push-button designs for game machines are prone to electrical failures and visibility issues due to liquid spills, with existing waterproofing measures inadequate in handling large amounts of liquid and spills during button presses.

Innovation Solution

A push-button configuration featuring a base, button body, spring component, frame, elastic body, and discharge path that prevents liquid entry into the base while allowing discharge of accumulated liquid, maintaining waterproof performance and operability even under spillage conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a sheet made of an elastic member is used to discharge liquid from the push-button, then liquid can be discharged to the outside, but when a large amount of liquid enters, the liquid overflows from the discharge path and enters unexpected places

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewaterproof performanceVSAvoidliquid overflow

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The discharge function is segmented into multiple discharge holes formed in the elastic member, distributing the liquid discharge capacity across multiple pathways rather than relying on a single discharge path. This prevents overflow when large amounts of liquid enter the push-button.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic member is pre-formed with discharge holes during manufacturing, establishing liquid discharge capability before liquid intrusion occurs. This preliminary configuration ensures immediate liquid discharge functionality upon liquid entry, preventing accumulation and overflow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If a sheet made of an elastic member is used for waterproofing, then liquid entry is prevented, but no consideration is given to spilling of liquid while the push-button is pressed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewaterproof performanceVSAvoidoperability during pressing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic member is designed to dynamically deform when the push-button is pressed, with the discharge holes maintaining functionality throughout the pressing motion. The elastic material's inherent flexibility allows it to accommodate button depression while preserving the discharge pathways, ensuring both operability and waterproof performance during pressing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The physical state of the elastic member changes from a static sealing configuration to a deformed configuration during pressing, while the discharge hole parameters (size, shape, position) are maintained through the deformation. This allows the member to adapt to pressing operations without compromising liquid discharge capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If a transparent push-button with a display device is used to make the operation unit conspicuous, then the push-button appeals to the player, but liquid entry causes electrical components to fail and display images to become difficult to see

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual appealVSAvoidelectrical component reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic member functions as a flexible thin film that provides waterproof sealing while allowing the transparent push-button and display device to maintain their visual appeal. The elastic member creates a protective barrier against liquid intrusion without obscuring the display images or interfering with the button's aesthetic appearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 configuration effectively prevents liquid from contacting electrical components and impairing image visibility, ensuring stable waterproofness and operability by discharging liquid through a dedicated path, thus enhancing the durability and functionality of the push-button.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic body provided in a flange shape integrally with the button body on the outer periphery of the button body and having an outer end held between the base and the frame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a discharge path configured to communicate with a space partitioned by the button body, the frame, and the elastic body, the discharge path being configured to discharge liquid entering the space to the outside

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS10957499B2Push-button for game machine

Publication Date: 2021.03.23 OMRON CORP

AI summary

To achieve a push-button for a game machine, capable of maintaining excellent waterproof performance and having excellent operability even when a large amount of liquid is spilled, or even when liquid is spilled while the push-button is pressed. A push-button for a game machine includes: an elastic body provided in a flange shape integrally with a key top with an outer periphery of the key top and having an outer end held between a base and a bezel; and a discharge path that communicates with a space partitioned by the key top, the bezel, and the elastic body and discharges liquid having entered the space to the outside.