Laptop Side Button Structure to Prevent Rotation in Thin Chassis
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Solution Overview
Problem
In laptop PCs, the placement of button switches on the side surfaces of the main body chassis to reduce the plan view area and make the device more compact, often results in operational issues due to limited internal space, leading to inconvenient rotation of the button when pressed, which deteriorates operability.
Innovation Solution
The electronic apparatus incorporates a button switch with a protruding fin piece and a restriction section positioned to face the fin piece, which restricts excessive rotation of the button when pressed, ensuring high operability by preventing unwanted rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the button is provided with an arm portion that extends to press the actuator through the arm portion due to limited internal space, then the device can be made thinner, but the button inconveniently rotates around the contact portion with the actuator, deteriorating operability
Solution Approach 1:
The button structure is segmented into distinct functional parts: the operation section exposed through the button opening, the arm portion that extends to press the actuator, and the fin piece that protrudes to engage with the restriction section. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function while maintaining overall button functionality in a thin chassis configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The fin piece acts as an intermediary element between the button and the restriction section. When the button is pressed, the fin piece engages with the restriction section to prevent excessive rotation around the contact portion with the actuator, thereby improving operability without requiring additional space.
2Area of stationary object
If button switches are placed on the side surfaces of main body chassis to reduce plan view area, then the device can be made more compact, but the switch and button cannot be coaxially placed due to limited internal space
Solution Approach 1:
The button switch structure transitions from a conventional coaxial arrangement to a non-coaxial configuration where the operation section and switch are positioned at different locations. The arm portion extends through the chassis thickness to connect the operation section with the actuator, effectively utilizing the third dimension (thickness direction) to resolve the spatial conflict.
Solution Approach 2:
The arm portion serves multiple functions: it transmits the pressing force from the operation section to the actuator, maintains the non-coaxial arrangement to save space, and provides structural support for the fin piece that prevents rotation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components.
Data Source
AI summary
The electronic apparatus has: a flat-shaped main body chassis provided with a motherboard; a switch provided at an end portion of the motherboard; a button for pressing an actuator of the switch; a restriction section that restricts the button from rotating around a contact portion when the button presses the actuator; and a button opening formed in a side wall of the main body chassis at a position shifted to a higher level than the switch. The button includes: an operation section exposed through the button opening; an arm portion that extends to a position facing the actuator; and a fin piece that protrudes. The restriction section is provided in such a manner as to face the fin piece at a position vertically shifted to a lower level then the fin piece.