Electronic Key Device Gap Management with Elastic Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The minimization of gaps between the side key unit and the housing in electronic devices leads to pollution issues, as foreign substances can easily enter and cause uncomfortable click impressions due to increased friction, and additional processing steps for metal cases increase costs and processing time.
Innovation Solution
A key device with a housing and side key unit assembly that secures a predetermined gap by processing either the side key unit or the housing, using undercut techniques and elastic air-tight rubber members, and optionally applying super water or oil repellent coatings to enhance self-cleaning and reduce friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the gap between the side key unit and housing is minimized to improve external appearance quality, then the gap management is improved, but foreign substances can easily enter and cause uncomfortable click impressions
Solution Approach 1:
An elastic air-tight rubber member is introduced as an intermediary between the side key unit and the housing. This rubber member fills the gap space, preventing foreign substances from entering while maintaining the desired external appearance. The rubber member acts as a mediator that resolves the contradiction by providing both gap management and pollution prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic air-tight rubber member functions as a flexible seal that conforms to the gap space between the side key unit and housing. This flexible sealing solution allows the gap to be minimized for aesthetic purposes while the rubber member prevents foreign substance entry, thus resolving the technical contradiction.
2Reliability
If additional processing steps are added to improve function while forming key hole in metal case, then the functional requirements are met, but processing time and unit cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The formation of the gap space and the assembly of the side key unit are merged into a single integrated process. The housing is designed with a pre-formed gap space that accommodates the side key unit without requiring additional processing steps, thus improving functionality while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The gap space in the housing serves multiple functions: it provides the necessary clearance for key operation, accommodates the elastic air-tight rubber member for sealing, and maintains the structural integrity of the metal case. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for additional processing steps.
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
This solution prevents the spread of foreign substances and maintains the initial performance of the product, reducing consumer dissatisfaction and development costs by minimizing micro gaps and improving the self-cleaning ability of the key device.
Implementation Method 1
elastically air-tight rubber member
Implementation Method 2
the entered foreign substance may spread widely to a front surface of a gap portion of the key due to surface tension thereof
Implementation Method 3
super water or oil repellent coating
Implementation Method 4
a frictional force increases and thus, when the key operates, an uncomfortable click impression is caused
Data Source
AI summary
A key device comprises a housing in which a key hole is formed, a side key unit assembled at the key hole of the housing, and a gap of a predetermined thickness formed between a portion of the assembled side key unit located within the key hole and the key hole, wherein the gap is secured by processing any one or both of the side key unit located within the key hole or the housing in which the side key unit is assembled.