Knob Structure With Elastic Rib For Compact Electronic Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional knob structures in electronic devices, such as notebook computers, require significant space due to the design of elastic components, limiting the compactness and portability of these devices.
Innovation Solution
A knob structure featuring pressing portions with elastic ribs and a fixing component that allows for reduced spatial occupancy by eliminating the need for a spider-foot shaped elastic component, utilizing a double-material injection process with hard plastic and elastic rubber materials, and integrating the fixing component with the case for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spider-foot shaped elastic component is used to provide elasticity in the Z-axis direction, then the pressing portion can maintain proper elasticity, but the Y-axis dimension of the case must be increased to accommodate the elastic component
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic rib changes the direction of elasticity from the Z-axis direction (vertical) to the Y-axis direction (horizontal). The elastic rib extends in the Y-axis direction and bends when the pressing portion is pressed, providing elastic force through deformation in the Y-axis direction rather than requiring vertical space. This dimensional transformation allows the case to be more compact in the Y-axis direction while maintaining proper elasticity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing portion is formed by combining a hard plastic material (for structural support) and an elastic rubber material (for elasticity) through double-material injection molding. This composite structure allows the pressing portion to have both structural integrity and elastic properties without requiring a separate spider-foot shaped elastic component, thereby reducing the Y-axis dimension of the case.
2Volume of moving object
If the case dimension in Y-axis direction is reduced for compactness, then the electronic device becomes more portable, but the elastic component cannot be properly disposed to provide sufficient elasticity
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic rib transforms the elastic deformation from vertical (Z-axis) to horizontal (Y-axis) direction. By extending the elastic rib in the Y-axis direction and allowing it to bend horizontally when pressed, the design provides sufficient elasticity within a reduced Y-axis dimension of the case, enabling compact device design without sacrificing elastic functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic rib is strategically positioned and dimensioned to provide localized elasticity exactly where needed under the pressing portion. The rib's length, thickness, and material properties are optimized to deliver appropriate elastic force within the constrained Y-axis space, ensuring proper pressing feedback without requiring overall case enlargement.
3Ease of operation
If a separate spider-foot shaped elastic component is used, then the pressing portion can be supported, but the device complexity and manufacturing steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic rib is integrated directly into the pressing portion as an internal component, eliminating the need for a separate spider-foot shaped elastic component. The pressing portion is formed by double-material injection molding that combines hard plastic and elastic rubber materials in a single manufacturing step, reducing the total number of parts and assembly steps while maintaining proper support and elasticity.
Solution Approach 2:
The double-material injection molding process creates a composite structure where the hard plastic provides structural support and the elastic rubber provides flexibility. This integrated composite design replaces multiple separate components (pressing portion + separate elastic component) with a single multi-material part, simplifying both the device structure and manufacturing process.
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 design reduces the overall dimensions of electronic devices by minimizing the Y-axis space occupied, enabling more compact and lightweight designs that enhance portability.
Implementation Method 1
the corresponding elastic rib is capable of providing an elastic force for resilience
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a double-material injection process with hard plastic and elastic rubber materials
Data Source
AI summary
A knob structure and an electronic device thereof are disclosed. The knob structure is assembled with a case of the electronic device and includes a plurality of pressing portions, an elastic component, and a fixing component. At least one pressing portion has a pressing rib used for pressing a switch module. The elastic component includes a main body and a plurality of elastic ribs. The plurality of elastic rib is disposed on the main body to support the pressing portion. When the pressing portion is pressed along a supporting direction, the elastic rib is capable of providing an elastic force. The fixing component includes a first end and a second end, wherein the first end connects to at least one of the plurality of pressing portions and the second end is extended along a direction different from the supporting direction and fixed to the case.