Pressing Device with Segmented Interconnecting Board Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pressing devices for touchpads are unable to pivot relative to the baseboard when pressed from certain sides, limiting their functionality and signal generation.
Innovation Solution
The pressing device comprises a base board, an upper board unit with a tact switch, and an intermediate unit with interconnecting board members that deform resiliently to drive the tact switch from an initial to a triggered state when the upper board is pressed, ensuring signal generation regardless of the pressing position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the circuit board is designed to pivot relative to the base board when pressed, then signal generation is enabled for side pressing, but the device cannot pivot when pressed from certain sides due to holder constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate unit is divided into multiple interconnecting board members (first, second, third, and fourth board members) that are separately connected to the circuit board at different locations. This segmentation allows each board member to independently deform and pivot when pressed from different sides, enabling multi-directional pressing functionality without requiring a complex overall pivot mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The interconnecting board members are designed with varying thicknesses to create different flexibility characteristics. The first and second board members have different thicknesses, allowing them to deform differently under pressure from opposite sides. This dynamic flexibility design enables the circuit board to adaptively pivot in response to pressing forces from various directions while maintaining structural integrity.
2Ease of manufacture
If the interconnecting board members have uniform thickness, then manufacturing is simplified, but non-uniform deformation occurs when pressed from different sides
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the interconnecting board members have different thicknesses tailored to their specific functional requirements. The first board member has a first thickness and the second board member has a second thickness that differs from the first. This local quality variation ensures that each region deforms appropriately under pressure from different sides, achieving uniform overall deformation performance despite manufacturing complexity.
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 configuration allows precise signal generation and alleviates the limitations of conventional devices by enabling the tact switch to be triggered from any position, preventing tilting and ensuring consistent functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the supporting portion of at least one of the interconnecting board members is pushed toward the upper board unit by a reaction force to resiliently deform the at least one of the interconnecting board members
Data Source
AI summary
A pressing device includes a base board, an upper board unit that is disposed over the base board, and an intermediate unit that is disposed between the base board and the upper board unit. The upper board unit includes a panel, a circuit board, and a tact switch. The intermediate unit includes a middle portion that corresponds in position to the tact switch, a surrounding frame member, and a plurality of interconnecting board members. When the upper board unit is pressed, at least one of the interconnecting board members is deformed, and the middle portion is driven to convert the tact switch from an initial state to a triggered state.