Key Assembly Waterproof Seal Fixing Member

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices face challenges in protecting their waterproof structures during assembly, disassembly, and repair processes, which can lead to damage and compromise the device's functionality, especially when exposed to harsh environments.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device design featuring a key assembly with a sealing member, a flexible printed circuit board, a switch member, and a reinforcing member, along with a fixing member that securely adheres to the housing, preventing interference and damage during assembly and disassembly, and ensuring a waterproof seal around the through-hole.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a waterproof structure is installed in the key assembly, then the reliability of the electronic device is improved, but the key assembly becomes vulnerable to damage during assembly and disassembly processes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaterproof performanceVSAvoiddamage resistance during assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The key assembly is divided into separate components: the key cap, the switch member, and the sealing member. This segmentation allows the sealing member to be positioned and secured independently, protecting it from damage during assembly and disassembly while maintaining waterproof integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing member is pre-installed and secured to the switch member before the key cap is attached. This preliminary action ensures the waterproof structure is already in place and protected before final assembly, preventing damage during the assembly process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the key assembly is securely fixed to the housing, then the reliability is improved, but the difficulty of repair increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing reliabilityVSAvoiddisassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing structure is segmented into the fixing member that attaches to the housing and the key assembly that attaches to the fixing member. This allows the key assembly to be detached by removing the fixing member first, making repair easier while maintaining secure fixation during normal use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing member is designed to be dynamically removable and reattachable. During normal use, it provides secure fixation, but during repair, it can be easily removed to allow access to the key assembly components for maintenance or replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If a mechanical operating structure is used for the key, then the ease of operation is improved, but the waterproof structure is exposed to damage risk

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical key operationVSAvoidwaterproof structure vulnerability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical key structure is segmented with the sealing member as a separate component that can be precisely positioned around the through-hole. This segmentation allows the mechanical operating parts to function while the sealing member maintains the waterproof barrier, protecting against harmful factors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing member acts as an intermediary element between the mechanical key components and the housing. It mediates the interaction between the mechanical operating structure and the waterproof requirement, allowing the key to function mechanically while maintaining the waterproof seal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3888339B1Electronic device including key assembly
Publication Date: 2023.05.24 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3888339B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3888339B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3888339B1 patent drawingFigure 4~7

AI summary

An electronic device is provided, which includes a housing including a sidewall; a through-hole configured to penetrate the sidewall; an assembling hole formed adjacent to the through-hole inside the housing; a key assembly configured to be received in the assembling hole and disposed to face an inner surface of the housing in an area where the through-hole is positioned; and a fixing member configured to be received in the assembling hole and to bring a surface of the key assembly into close contact with the inner surface of the housing around the through-hole and seal between the through-hole and an inner space of the housing.