Membrane Switch Elastic Tongue Design Eliminates Spacer Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing membrane switches require multiple layers and spacers, increasing costs and material usage, while also failing to meet environmental protection trends.
Innovation Solution
A membrane switch design using only two membranes, with an upper and lower membrane featuring elastic tongues and hollow portions, eliminating the need for a spacing layer or spacers, and utilizing conductive traces printed on the surfaces to establish contact when depressed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a spacing layer or spacers are used to maintain distance between membranes, then the structural stability is improved, but the device complexity and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the spacing layer or spacers from the membrane switch structure entirely. The distance maintenance function is transferred to the membrane itself through its inherent thickness and elastic properties, eliminating the need for separate spacing components and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacing function previously performed by a separate spacing layer or spacers is merged into the membrane structure itself. The membrane's own physical properties (thickness, elasticity) are utilized to maintain the required distance between conductive layers, combining multiple functions into a single component.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a spacing layer or spacers are used to maintain distance between membranes, then the structural stability is improved, but the loss of substance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spacing layer or spacers are extracted from the assembly, eliminating the material waste associated with producing and disposing of these separate components. Only the essential membrane materials are used, reducing overall material consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacing function is merged into the membrane itself, eliminating the need for additional spacing materials. This consolidation reduces the total quantity of substances required for manufacturing the membrane switch.
3Reliability
If three membranes are used including a spacing layer, then the insulation performance is improved, but the device complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spacing layer is extracted from the three-membrane structure, reducing it to two essential membranes. The insulation performance is maintained through the membrane materials and thickness design without requiring the additional spacing layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating and spacing functions are merged into the membrane structure itself. The two membranes with appropriate thickness and material properties provide both the required insulation performance and the necessary spacing, eliminating the need for a separate spacing layer.
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 material and production costs, enhances environmental sustainability, and maintains effective functionality by utilizing the inherent rigidity and elasticity of the membranes for contact establishment.
Implementation Method 1
The lower elastic tongue passes through the upper hollow portion of the upper membrane and elastically extends above the upper elastic tongue
Implementation Method 2
When a user depresses the lower membrane, the second conductive trace of the lower membrane contacts the first conductive trace of the upper membrane
Data Source
AI summary
A membrane switch solves the problem of requiring a spacing layer or spacers as in the prior art, and includes an upper membrane, a lower membrane. The upper membrane has an upper elastic tongue, an upper hollow portion formed around the upper elastic tongue, and a first conductive trace printed on a top surface of the upper membrane with a first contact formed on the upper elastic tongue. The lower membrane has a lower elastic tongue corresponding to the upper elastic tongue, a lower hollow portion formed around the lower elastic tongue, and a second conductive trace printed on a bottom surface of the lower membrane with a second contact on the lower elastic tongue. The lower elastic tongue penetrates through the upper hollow portion of the upper membrane and elastically extends above the upper elastic tongue. When the lower membrane is depressed, the second contact contacts the first contact.