Mouse Button Buffer Structure for Stable Switch Triggering

The patent introduces a buffer structure as an intermediary component between the button and switch. This buffer includes a buffer body with a buffer cavity, a preloaded elastomer positioned in the cavity, and a rib column that transmits force. The intermediary buffer eliminates gaps and ensures stable switch triggering while maintaining reasonable structural complexity through modular design.

The patent employs a preloaded elastomer within the buffer cavity that undergoes elastic deformation parameter changes. The elastomer is pre-compressed between the buffer body and base, creating a controlled spring force that ensures consistent pressure transmission to the switch. This parameter change approach provides reliable tactile feedback and eliminates idle travel without requiring complex mechanical linkages.

The buffer structure serves as a tolerance-absorbing intermediary that decouples the precision requirements between button and switch. The buffer body, rib column, and elastomer combination provides a self-adjusting mechanism that accommodates manufacturing variations while ensuring consistent force transmission. This approach significantly reduces manufacturing precision requirements compared to direct button-switch connection.

The preloaded elastomer provides a compliant element that compensates for dimensional variations through elastic deformation. The elastomer's spring constant and preload force can be tuned to accommodate a range of tolerances, making the assembly process more forgiving and easier to manufacture at scale without sacrificing performance.

The buffer structure is segmented into distinct functional components: a buffer body with cavity, a preloaded elastomer, and a rib column. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function while assembling into a compact unit. The modular design improves tactile feedback through specialized geometry without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.

The buffer structure performs multiple functions simultaneously: it eliminates gaps between button and switch, provides tactile feedback through elastomer compression, ensures reliable switch triggering through the rib column, and absorbs manufacturing tolerances. This multi-functionality achieves improved ease of operation without a proportional increase in complexity, as a single buffer assembly delivers multiple benefits.