Pivoting Press Button Cap for Thin Portable Computer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional press buttons in portable devices are bulky due to complex structures and large movement profiles, complicating assembly and hindering size reduction efforts in thin electronic devices.
Innovation Solution
A press button design featuring a base plate, link member, and cap with an embossed strip and flange that pivots around a pivot axis, reducing thickness by simplifying assembly and using a resilient member to detect pressing, allowing for a pivotal swinging mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional scissors-like mechanism is used in the press button, then the button can achieve vertical movement functionality, but the structure becomes complex and the thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex scissors-like mechanism from the press button design. Instead of using multiple posts and circular protrusions that pivot in a scissors-like manner, the invention uses a simplified structure with a cap directly pivotally connected to a base plate through a single pivot axis, removing unnecessary components while maintaining the button's pressing functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the conventional vertical movement approach by implementing a pivotal swinging motion. Instead of the cap moving vertically along a linear path as in traditional designs, the cap now pivots around a horizontal axis located between the embossed strip and flange, creating an arc-shaped movement path that reduces the required thickness
2Ease of operation
If a conventional press button with large movement profile is used, then the button can achieve adequate pressing range, but the thickness of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the movement dimension from vertical linear displacement to horizontal pivotal rotation. The pivot axis is positioned horizontally between the embossed strip and flange, allowing the cap to swing in an arc. This dimensional change enables adequate pressing range through rotational motion while significantly reducing the vertical thickness required compared to linear vertical movement
3Reliability
If multiple components are combined in the press button, then the button can achieve stable operation, but assembly operations become complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple components into a simplified integrated structure. The cap is directly pivotally connected to the base plate through a single pivot axis, eliminating the need for separate posts, circular protrusions, and complex support mechanisms. This consolidation maintains operational stability through the pivotal connection while dramatically simplifying assembly operations
Data Source
AI summary
A flat press button is provided. The press button includes a base plate, a link member, and a cap. The link member is disposed on the base plate. The cap, having an embossed strip and a flange, pivots at the link member, wherein the embossed strip and the flange are formed at the opposing sides of the cap, and the embossed strip and the flange are operated in a pivotal swinging manner around a pivot axis to abut the base plate alternatively.