Kinetic Energy Transferring Element for Multi-Directional Button Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional notebook buttons with a single touching face are prone to fatigue and misfunctioning due to the need for precise directional pressing, leading to reduced sensitivity and potential activation of other switches.
Innovation Solution
A kinetic energy transferring element with a curved portion, first extended portion, and second extended portion, featuring a plurality of touching faces, where the curved portion protrudes to touch the electric switch when pressed, allowing for arbitrary directional operation and reducing wear on the button structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a button has a single touching face, then the button structure is simple, but the user must press in a specific direction which causes fatigue and reduces reliability after long-term operation
Solution Approach 1:
The button structure transitions from a single-face design to a multi-face design by adding dimensional complexity. The elastic plane is divided into multiple pressing regions (first pressing plane, second pressing plane, third pressing plane) that can be pressed from different directions, allowing the button to detect presses from various angles while maintaining structural integrity and reliability.
2Area of stationary object
If the elastic plane is a wide-spanned structure, then the button can cover a larger area, but it deforms concavely over time leading to permanent connection with the switch and loss of sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic plane is segmented into multiple independent pressing regions (first pressing plane, second pressing plane, third pressing plane) rather than a single wide-spanned structure. Each pressing plane can deform independently with limited travel distance, preventing the permanent concave deformation that occurs in wide-spanned structures while maintaining adequate button coverage area.
3Productivity
If the button is pressed repeatedly, then the button performs its function, but the elastic plane fatigues and loses sensitivity causing dysfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The button structure incorporates a printed circuit board with a switch positioned at a predetermined spacing below the elastic plane, creating a cushioning effect. The elastic plane has limited downward travel before contacting the switch, preventing excessive deformation and fatigue accumulation during repeated presses, thereby maintaining reliability over high operation frequencies.
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
Enhances user convenience by allowing operation in various directions, reducing fatigue and misactivation of other switches, while maintaining sensitivity and extending the lifespan of the button structure.
Implementation Method 1
a kinetic energy transferring element applied to a button structure for pressing an electric switch has a curved portion, a first extended portion and a second extended portion
Implementation Method 2
When the user presses the second extended portion, the curved portion of the kinetic energy transferring element can protrude to touch the electric switch
Data Source
AI summary
A kinetic energy transferring element applied to a button structure for pressing an electric switch has a curved portion, a first extended portion and a second extended portion, in which the curved portion is bridged between the first extended portion and the second extended portion. The first extended portion is served as a fulcrum of the transferring element, while the second extended portion is a free end to receive foreign application. When the user presses the second extended portion, the curved portion of the kinetic energy transferring element can protrude to touch the electric switch.