Multi-Contact Push Button for Compact Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional button structures for electronic products, such as remote controllers, require multiple presses to transmit multiple signals, are inconvenient due to size constraints, and lack recognition of desired buttons, leading to operational inefficiencies and reduced user experience, especially in compact devices like mobile phones and navigation systems.
Innovation Solution
A button structure with a push button having multiple contacts along its circumference and a restoring mechanism, including a central shaft and opposite sidewall with sensors, allowing for the transmission of various signals through contact with sensors when the button is moved without rotating, and restoring to its original position, enabling multiple functions with a single button.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple buttons are arranged on the device to transmit multiple signals, then the signal transmission capability is improved, but the device size increases and space is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The push button is designed to perform multiple functions by generating different signals through various pressing directions. The button structure includes multiple contacts arranged around its circumference, and by pressing the button in different directions (up, down, left, right), different contacts are activated to transmit different signals, eliminating the need for multiple separate buttons
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple button functions are merged into a single push button structure. The invention combines what would traditionally require 4-8 separate buttons into one integrated component that can generate multiple signals through directional pressing, thereby reducing the overall device footprint and simplifying the button layout
2Area of stationary object
If button size is reduced to fit compact devices, then device compactness is improved, but button recognition and accurate operation become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The push button incorporates visual indicators (such as arrows or markings) on its surface that indicate the pressing directions corresponding to different functions. This local quality enhancement allows users to quickly recognize the desired button and pressing direction without needing to glance at the entire device, improving operability while maintaining compact dimensions
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple buttons are arranged in parallel, then signal variety is improved, but operational efficiency decreases due to the need to locate and press each button sequentially
Solution Approach 1:
The single push button is designed with multiple contacts arranged around its circumference, allowing it to generate multiple different signals through directional pressing. This multi-functionality enables users to access various signals without sequentially locating and pressing multiple separate buttons, thereby improving operational efficiency while maintaining signal variety
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 integrated button structure allows for the transmission of multiple signals using a single button, enhancing operational efficiency and user experience by eliminating the need for multiple button presses and improving recognition, thus reducing space requirements and enhancing compact device usability.
Implementation Method 1
the push button (200) is restored to its original position by the elasticity of the restoring means (600)
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a button structure for electronic products. The button structure includes a push button, a restoring means, and an opposite sidewall. The push button is configured such that a plurality of contacts is provided along the circumference thereof. The restoring means includes a central shaft, which is provided in the central portion of the push button. The opposite sidewall is spaced apart from the contacts, and is configured to surround the push button, and is configured such that sensors for generating their corresponding signals are provided on the opposite sidewall at respective locations opposite those of the contacts.