Middle-Frame Button Assembly for Thinner Waterproof Phones
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to simplify the structure of button assemblies and middle frames in electronic devices, such as mobile phones, to achieve a thinner and lighter design while maintaining waterproof performance, reliability, and hand feeling.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a button assembly with a trigger member that rotates within a via hole in the middle frame, allowing for easy assembly and locking of the button assembly onto the middle frame, thereby simplifying the assembly process and reducing the number of openings in the middle frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the button assembly uses a traditional structure with multiple components and openings in the middle frame, then the button assembly can be assembled, but the electronic device becomes thicker and heavier
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the button assembly with the middle frame by integrating the trigger member directly into the middle frame structure. The trigger member passes through a via hole in the middle frame and is retained by a retaining component, eliminating the need for separate button assembly structures and multiple openings. This integration reduces overall device thickness while maintaining assembly functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The trigger member is nested within the via hole of the middle frame, with the retaining component positioned within the via hole to secure the trigger member. This nested arrangement allows the button assembly to be compactly integrated into the middle frame structure, reducing the external dimensions and thickness of the electronic device.
2Ease of manufacture
If the button assembly uses a traditional structure with multiple openings in the middle frame, then the button assembly can be assembled, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the button assembly with the middle frame structure, the patent reduces the number of separate components that need to be manufactured and assembled. The trigger member and retaining component are integrated into the middle frame, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing assembly complexity, which ultimately lowers manufacturing costs.
3Reliability
If the button assembly uses a traditional structure with multiple openings in the middle frame, then the button assembly can be assembled, but the waterproof performance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of the button assembly with the middle frame reduces the number of openings and interfaces between components. The via hole in the middle frame is minimized and properly sealed, and the retaining component is positioned to maintain waterproof integrity. This simplified structure improves waterproof performance by reducing potential leakage paths.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of this application provide an electronic device. The electronic device includes a button assembly and a middle frame. The button assembly includes a button and a trigger member. A button slot is disposed on an outer wall of the middle frame, and the button is disposed in the button slot. A first terminal of the trigger member is connected to the button, and a second terminal of the trigger member has a first assembly part. A via hole that passes through the outer wall and an inner wall of the middle frame is formed at a bottom of the button slot. The trigger member passes through the via hole and rotates in the via hole to a pre-assembly position or an assembly position, to enable the trigger member to rotate to the assembly position or the pre-assembly position. When the trigger member rotates in the via hole to the pre-assembly position, the trigger member passes through the via hole. When the trigger member rotates in the via hole to the assembly position, the first assembly part abuts against the inner wall of the middle frame. The button is configured to drive the trigger member to move toward a direction facing the inner wall of the middle frame, to trigger a conductive member in the electronic device. The electronic device provided in this application help the electronic device get thinner and lighter.