Metallic Button With Buffer Member To Reduce Housing Noise
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical buttons on electronic devices, such as cell phones, often resonate with the device housing during testing, causing noise due to direct contact, which existing designs fail to adequately mitigate.
Innovation Solution
A metallic button design featuring a metallic keycap with an integrated annular buffer member made of flexible material, such as silica gel, that is compression molded onto the keycap, creating a non-contact interface with the device housing through a protrusion portion and notches, preventing direct contact and noise generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the button is made of metal and directly contacts the housing, then the structural strength and aesthetic appearance are improved, but noise is generated due to resonance during testing
Solution Approach 1:
A buffer member made of flexible material (silica gel or rubber) is introduced as an intermediary between the metallic button and the housing. This buffer member prevents direct contact between the metal button and housing, thereby eliminating the resonance-induced noise while maintaining the structural integrity and aesthetic appearance of the metallic button
Solution Approach 2:
The button assembly combines different materials: a metallic keycap for strength and appearance, and a flexible buffer member (silica gel or rubber) for noise reduction. This composite structure allows the button to maintain its mechanical properties while preventing harmful resonance with the housing
2Device complexity
If the button directly contacts the housing, then the device structure is simplified, but noise and durability issues arise during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer member serves as a mediator that isolates the button from the housing, preventing direct contact that causes noise and reliability issues. The buffer member is integrated into the button assembly through compression molding, adding minimal complexity while significantly improving reliability by eliminating noise interference
Solution Approach 2:
The button assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: the metallic keycap for structural strength and aesthetics, and the flexible buffer member for noise reduction and isolation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while working together as an integrated assembly
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
The solution effectively reduces noise by maintaining a consistent non-contact interface between the button and the housing, enhancing the durability of the anodic oxide film and ensuring reliable operation without noise interference.
Implementation Method 1
The keycap may be anodized to form an anodic oxide film
Implementation Method 2
The buffer member can be composed of flexible material, such as silica gel
Data Source
AI summary
A metallic button includes a metallic keycap and an annular buffer member. The metallic keycap has a peripheral side surface, and defines an annular receiving groove and a notch communicating with the annular receiving groove on the peripheral side surface. The annular receiving groove extends around the peripheral side surface. The buffer member is composed of flexible material, sleeved on the keycap, and partially received in the annular receiving groove and the notch.