Key Coupling Unit Lateral Bumper for Slim Device Jamming
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile electronic devices experience key jamming or sticking issues due to their slim window design, which affects the stability and functionality of the key operation.
Innovation Solution
A key coupling unit is designed with an extended lower side length of the key guide frame, incorporating a bumper and pressing part that move laterally from the center of the bracket, along with waterproofing tapes and support plates, to prevent key jamming and enhance stability by reducing the key's slope during pressing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the window thickness is reduced to achieve slimness, then the device becomes thinner and more portable, but the key guide frame guiding amount decreases causing key jamming or sticking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the lower side length of the key guide frame in the lateral direction (another dimension) to compensate for the reduced window thickness. This dimensional extension provides sufficient guiding amount for the key even when the window is thin, preventing key jamming or sticking while maintaining the slim device profile.
2Reliability
If the key guide frame lower side length is extended to prevent key jamming, then key operation stability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the extended lower side of the key guide frame with the existing key coupling unit structure. The support plate and waterproofing tapes are combined with the key guide frame extension, creating a unified structure that prevents key jamming without requiring separate additional components, thus minimizing device complexity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the bumper and pressing part are positioned laterally from the center, then key stability during pressing improves, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deliberately positions the bumper and pressing part asymmetrically (laterally from the center) to optimize key stability during pressing. This asymmetric positioning creates a more stable mechanical leverage system, and the patent provides specific dimensional guidelines to manage the manufacturing precision requirements.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If support plates and waterproofing tapes are added to secure the key guide frame, then protection from liquids or gases improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support plates and waterproofing tapes are designed to serve multiple functions: they secure the extended key guide frame in place and simultaneously provide waterproofing and gas protection. This multi-functionality prevents the need for separate protection components, minimizing the increase in device complexity while achieving comprehensive protection.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device and a key coupling unit therefor are disclosed. The key coupling unit includes a key configured in a specific shape, a key guide frame configured to guide pressing of the key, and a key circuit board configured to input a signal corresponding to the pressing of the key. The key coupling unit is fixed in a settling area of a bracket. A bumper is formed to protrude from the lower part of the key circuit board. A pressing part is formed in the bracket to face the bumper of the key circuit board. A command signal of a corresponding key is transmitted to the key circuit board by converting to an electric signal if the bumper presses the pressing part. The bumper and the pressing part are located by moving in a lateral direction from the center of the settling area of the bracket.