Membrane Circuit Structure Without Jumpers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing membrane circuit structures require numerous jumpers due to mechanical holes, leading to complex manufacturing processes, non-uniform thickness, and poor waterproof performance.
Innovation Solution
A membrane circuit structure comprising multiple layers (first membrane, second membrane, spacer layer, and third membrane) with conductive patterns and trigger portions that eliminate the need for jumpers, utilizing anisotropic conductive materials for electrical connections and increasing the distributable area of waterproof adhesive.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If jumpers are used to electrically isolate wires at intersections, then electrical isolation is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases and thickness uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes jumpers from the membrane circuit structure entirely. Instead of adding isolation elements at wire intersections, the design uses planar wire routing where wires naturally cross without vertical stacking, eliminating the need for jumpers and their associated manufacturing complexity while maintaining electrical isolation through spatial separation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a three-dimensional wire routing approach (with vertical jumps) to a two-dimensional planar routing approach. Wires are arranged to cross in the same plane rather than stacking vertically, which eliminates the need for jumpers and maintains uniform thickness across the membrane structure
2Reliability
If jumpers are used for wire isolation, then electrical isolation is achieved, but thickness uniformity of the membrane structure deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes jumpers from the membrane circuit structure entirely. Instead of adding isolation elements at wire intersections, the design uses planar wire routing where wires naturally cross without vertical stacking, eliminating the need for jumpers and their associated manufacturing complexity while maintaining electrical isolation through spatial separation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a three-dimensional wire routing approach (with vertical jumps) to a two-dimensional planar routing approach. Wires are arranged to cross in the same plane rather than stacking vertically, which eliminates the need for jumpers and maintains uniform thickness across the membrane structure
3Object-affected harmful factors
If waterproof adhesive is applied around mechanical holes, then waterproof performance is improved, but the distributable area of adhesive becomes very small leading to poor waterproof performance
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes mechanical holes from the membrane structure. By eliminating the holes that necessitate adhesive application, the design achieves waterproofing through the inherent integrity of the solid membrane, thereby providing ample adhesive application area when needed while maintaining superior waterproof performance
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the potential harm of mechanical holes (which compromise waterproofing) into a benefit by eliminating them entirely. The solid membrane structure provides inherent waterproofing, and any adhesive needed can be applied over larger areas without being constrained by hole perimeters
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
Simplifies manufacturing, ensures uniform thickness, and enhances waterproof performance by eliminating jumpers and optimizing adhesive distribution.
Implementation Method 1
the membrane circuit structure further includes an anisotropic conductive material, in which the membrane circuit structure further has a circuit connection region close to one of the switch regions
Data Source
AI summary
A membrane circuit structure having a plurality of switch regions includes first, second and third membranes and a spacer layer. The second membrane is beneath the first membrane, and a lower surface of the second membrane is provided with a conductive pattern in at least one of the switch regions. The spacer layer is disposed between the first and second membranes. The third membrane is beneath the second membrane, and an upper surface of the third membrane is provided with first and second trigger portions separated from each other in the at least one of the switch regions, and the conductive pattern is able to be in contact with the first and second trigger portions, so that the first and second trigger portions are able to be electrically connected to each other through the conductive pattern.