Key Module Waterproofing via Segmented Sealing and Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing waterproof structures in portable electronic devices, such as smartphones, suffer from instability and compromised key click feeling due to irregular indentations in sealing members and the stacking of components on flexible printed circuit boards, leading to high defect rates and degraded performance.
Innovation Solution
A key module design featuring a fingerprint recognizing member enclosed by an annular structure and a lower plate with a flexible conductive member extending into the circuit region, utilizing different materials for printed circuit boards to enhance waterproofing and simplify the structure, while improving key click feedback through modularization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a flexible printed circuit board is insert-molded in a home key mold to create a waterproof structure, then the waterproof function is provided, but irregular indentations are generated in the sealing member region which deteriorate the sealing effect and cause high defect rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sealing structure into separate components: a sealing member and a waterproof member, which are positioned at different locations. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex insert-molding operations that cause indentations, as each component can be separately manufactured and assembled without interfering with the other's geometric integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a waterproof member as an intermediary element between the sealing member and the flexible printed circuit board. This waterproof member provides the necessary waterproofing function without requiring the sealing member itself to have complex molded structures, thereby preventing indentation-related defects in the sealing member.
2Reliability
If multiple components are stacked in multiple tiers on the flexible printed circuit board, then the waterproof structure is formed, but the key click feeling is considerably degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the waterproofing function from the key operational structure by positioning the waterproof member and sealing member at different locations. This allows the key structure to remain simple and responsive for optimal click feeling, while the waterproofing is achieved through a separate waterproof member that does not interfere with the mechanical properties of the key.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a vertical stacking arrangement (multiple tiers on the flexible printed circuit board) to a lateral distribution arrangement where the sealing member and waterproof member are positioned at different locations. This dimensional change eliminates the need for multi-tier stacking, thereby preserving the key's mechanical responsiveness and click feeling.
3Reliability
If the sealing member region is designed to accommodate the flexible printed circuit board passage, then the waterproof structure is created, but the sealing effect is considerably deteriorated due to irregular shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the sealing function from the board passage accommodation function by introducing a distinct waterproof member. The sealing member can maintain a simple, regular shape optimized for sealing, while the waterproof member handles the complexity of accommodating the flexible printed circuit board passage, ensuring both functions are performed effectively without compromising manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The waterproof member serves as an intermediary that accommodates the flexible printed circuit board passage without requiring the sealing member to have complex irregular shapes. This intermediary structure preserves the sealing member's geometric simplicity and manufacturing precision while still providing the necessary waterproofing through the waterproof member's adapted geometry.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device according to the present disclosure includes: a housing including a first plate directed in a first direction, a second plate facing a second direction opposite the first direction, and a side member that encloses at least a portion of a space between the first plate and the second plate; a display disposed to be exposed through a first region of the first plate; a first opening formed in a second region of the first plate that is located adjacent to the display; a button structure disposed through the first opening, in which the button structure includes a cover layer exposed to an outside of the housing, an annular structure that encloses at least a portion of the cover layer when viewed from above the cover layer, and a fingerprint recognizing member enclosed by the annular structure and including a fingerprint recognizing pad including a plurality of conductive lines formed to recognize a fingerprint when a user's finger comes in contact with the cover layer, and a circuit region including conductive paths connected to at least some of the plurality of conductive lines; and a lower plate connected to the annular structure. The cover layer, the annular structure, and the lower plate are configured to substantially enclose the fingerprint recognizing member, and the lower plate includes a second opening that communicates with at least a portion of the circuit region.