Mobile Terminal Waterproof Key Module With Elastic Deformation Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waterproof structures for mobile terminals are complex to assemble and prone to damage, with a decrease in the feel of pressibility, particularly when attempting to prevent water from entering areas with key presses.
Innovation Solution
A mobile terminal design that incorporates a submergence area and a waterproof area, utilizing a key module with a first unit that moves due to external force, a second unit that generates a signal, and an elastic deformation layer, along with a waterproof layer to partition these areas and prevent water ingress, while maintaining pressibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a waterproof structure is implemented to block water from entering the terminal, then water resistance is improved, but the complexity of assembly increases and the structure becomes prone to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal body is divided into a submergence area (where water can enter) and a waterproof area (where water is blocked), separated by a waterproof layer. This segmentation allows the waterproofing function to be localized rather than requiring complete sealing of the entire structure, simplifying assembly while maintaining water resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
A waterproof layer acts as an intermediary element between the submergence area and the waterproof area. This intermediate waterproof layer with through holes provides a simple yet effective barrier that is easy to assemble and less prone to damage compared to complex sealing structures.
2Reliability
If a waterproof structure is implemented to prevent water ingress, then water resistance is improved, but the feeling of pressibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The waterproof layer is designed with through holes at specific locations where keys are positioned. This local modification allows water resistance to be maintained in non-key areas while preserving the pressibility feeling in key areas by allowing controlled water contact and key movement through the holes.
Solution Approach 2:
The waterproof layer functions as a flexible thin film that can deform locally around the through holes when keys are pressed. This flexibility maintains the tactile feedback and pressibility feeling while still providing effective water blocking in the overall structure.
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 design enhances the ease of assembly, reduces the risk of damage, and maintains the feel of pressibility by effectively preventing water from entering the second unit, thus improving the waterproofing and usability of the terminal.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic deformation layer of which a portion is elastically deformed due to movement of the first unit, in such a manner that the second unit is pressed by the first unit
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile terminal having a terminal main body including a front case forming an internal area including a submergence area into which water is introduced and a waterproof area into which water is blocked from being introduced, and an internal frame; a first unit including a key module mounted in the terminal main body, and generating a control command when a pressing occurs, the key module being positioned in the submergence area and moving due to an external force; a second unit positioned in the waterproof area, and when the pressing occurs, generates a signal; an elastic deformation layer of which a portion is elastically deformed due to movement of the first unit, so the second unit is pressed by the first unit; and a waterproof layer attaching the elastic deformation layer and the front case so partitioning results in the submergence area and the waterproof area.