Low-Profile Gaming Push-Button Covers With Tactile Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing push-buttons for gaming machines are prone to durability issues, such as cracking and an undesirable feel, and lack effective tactile feedback, making them frustrating for users.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile push-button design with a base, annular ring, and button cover that provides tactile feedback through mechanisms like tactile domes or resilient pads, allowing for actuation without requiring a deck mounting aperture, and featuring transparent or metal components for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If plastic button covers are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but durability deteriorates (cracking and wear)
Solution Approach 1:
The button cover is constructed from a composite material comprising a rigid outer shell (metal or hard plastic) and a softer inner material (rubber or elastomer). This composite structure combines the durability and aesthetic appeal of rigid materials with the tactile feedback and shock absorption of softer materials, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing cost and durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameters by transitioning from purely plastic to hybrid materials with different mechanical properties. The outer shell uses high-strength materials resistant to cracking, while the inner layer uses compliant materials for tactile response, optimizing both durability and user experience.
2Device complexity
If traditional button designs are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but tactile feedback is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The button cover incorporates a flexible inner layer made of rubber or elastomer that deforms under pressure to provide tactile feedback. This flexible element maintains structural simplicity while delivering the desired tactile response, as the flexibility itself generates the feedback sensation without requiring complex mechanical mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The softer inner material acts as an intermediary between the user's finger and the rigid outer shell. This intermediate layer provides tactile feedback by deforming under pressure, while the rigid outer shell maintains structural integrity, combining simplicity with effective feedback.
3Reliability
If buttons are made harder to push, then input reliability is improved, but user comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible inner layer deforms under finger pressure to provide tactile feedback, confirming input registration. This deformation gives users sensory confirmation that their input was registered, improving perceived reliability without requiring excessive force, thus maintaining user comfort.
4Ease of operation
If high-profile buttons are used, then tactile feedback is enhanced, but device profile increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible inner layer provides tactile feedback through material deformation rather than mechanical travel. This allows the button to maintain a low profile while still delivering tactile confirmation through the elastic deformation of the rubber or elastomer layer, eliminating the need for high-profile mechanical structures.
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 solution enhances durability and user experience by providing tactile feedback and aesthetic appeal while maintaining a low profile, ensuring the buttons are both durable and easy to use, without compromising the integrity of the gaming machine's surface.
Implementation Method 1
a tactile dome which underlies the button cover
Implementation Method 2
a resilient pad which is positioned below the button cover
Implementation Method 3
a discontinuity in the button cover which allows a portion of the button cover, such as the peripheral wall portion, to deflect or deform
Data Source
AI summary
Push-button switches and components thereof, including push-button switch button covers, as well as methods of making the same and gaming machines having such push-button switches, are provided. The push-button switches are low profile and configured for aperture-free mounting, and the button covers are configured to convey information and have improved characteristics.