Pressing Module Waterproof Frame and Elastic Restoring Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional pressing waterproof products face challenges in achieving effective waterproofing and tactile feedback, especially for larger areas, due to high costs and low yield rates in co-injection molding, and limited tactility feedback from plastic and rubber combinations.

Innovation Solution

A pressing module comprising a housing, operation panel, waterproof fixing frame, and elastic member, where the waterproof fixing frame covers the junction between the housing and operation panel to prevent fluid ingress, and the elastic member provides restoring force for tactile feedback, using a single-material injection method to reduce costs and increase yield.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If co-injection molding of plastic and rubber is used for pressing and waterproofing, then waterproofing function is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases and yield rate decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewaterproofing functionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the pressing module into separate functional components: a waterproof pressing element and a housing with waterproof sealing. Instead of co-injection molding plastic and rubber together, the design uses a waterproof pressing element that can be separately manufactured and assembled into the housing, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining waterproofing functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a waterproof sealing structure as an intermediary component between the pressing element and the housing. This sealing structure (including waterproof sealing rings and sealing grooves) acts as a mediator that ensures waterproofing without requiring complex co-injection molding processes, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and improving yield rates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If co-injection molding of plastic and rubber is used, then waterproofing is achieved, but yield rate decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewaterproofing functionVSAvoidyield rate

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the waterproofing function into separate components (waterproof pressing element, housing, and sealing structures), the patent eliminates the need for complex co-injection molding processes. This allows for simpler, more reliable manufacturing of individual parts that can be assembled with higher success rates, thereby improving overall yield rate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs simpler, more readily manufacturable components that can be produced through standard molding processes rather than complex co-injection molding. This approach uses more common manufacturing methods that have higher success rates and better yield, even if individual components are less sophisticated.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Force

If elastic arm is implemented by body elasticity of plastic and rubber, then pressing function is achieved, but pressing area is limited causing poor tactility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressing functionVSAvoidpressing area

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameters by using a waterproof pressing element made from materials with appropriate elastic properties (such as silicone rubber or fluororubber) that can provide sufficient pressing force over larger areas. This material parameter change enables both adequate force and expanded pressing area, improving tactility feedback.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite material structures where the waterproof pressing element is made from elastomeric materials that combine flexibility with sufficient structural integrity. These composite material solutions allow the pressing element to maintain force over larger surface areas, enabling better tactility across extended pressing regions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 solution effectively prevents water and vapor ingress while maintaining tactile feedback, suitable for larger areas, reducing production costs and improving yield rates through single-material injection.

Implementation Method 1

The elastic member can provide an elastic restoring force for the operation panel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11442511B2Pressing module

Publication Date: 2022.09.13 PEGATRON

AI summary

A pressing module includes a housing, an operation panel, a waterproof fixing frame, and an elastic member. The housing includes a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface and a slot. The slot passes through the first surface and the second surface. The operation panel is pressibly accommodated in the slot. The waterproof fixing frame is disposed on the second surface of the housing and the operation panel and covers a junction between the second surface and the operation panel. The elastic member is disposed on the waterproof fixing frame. The elastic member includes a fixed side and a movable side that are disposed on two opposite sides. The fixed side is fixed to the second surface, and the movable side is fixed to the operation panel, so that the elastic member can provide an elastic restoring force for the operation panel.