Reinforced Button Structure for Reliable Edge Press Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large press surface buttons, such as emergency buttons, require a long and hard press to activate the switch, resulting in poor haptic feedback and a risk of unsuccessful activation, especially when pressed at the edge sides.
Innovation Solution
A button structure with a reinforcement structure having a higher Young's modulus than the press surface, which extends elastic deformation from the edge sides to the central area, ensuring that presses near or away from the center can easily activate the switch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the press surface is made large for reliable interaction, then the button is easier to locate and access, but a long and hard press is required to activate the switch, resulting in poor haptic feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a reinforcement structure with different material properties (higher Young's modulus) at a specific location on the press surface. This localized reinforcement area transmits press force more effectively to the switch while the rest of the press surface maintains its soft, large-area characteristics for easy location and access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining a soft press surface material with a reinforcement structure material that has higher stiffness (Young's modulus). This composite structure allows the button to simultaneously provide a large, soft press surface for easy location and a rigid transmission path for reliable switch activation.
2Ease of operation
If the press surface is made large for user comfort, then the button is easier to press, but the press force is dispersed and requires a long and hard press to activate the switch
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement structure creates a localized area of high stiffness on the press surface. When the user presses the button, this localized rigid structure concentrates and transmits the press force efficiently to the switch, reducing the total force and displacement required for activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement structure acts as an intermediary between the soft press surface and the switch. It receives the distributed press force from the large press surface and transforms it into concentrated force transmission to the switch, mediating between the soft input and the mechanical switching requirement.
3Area of stationary object
If the press surface is made large, then the button is easier to locate, but presses at edge sides produce poor haptic feedback and may fail to activate the switch
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement structure provides a localized rigid transmission path that extends from the press surface to the switch. This ensures that presses from any location on the large press surface, including edge sides, can reliably transmit force to activate the switch, providing consistent haptic feedback regardless of press location.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement structure introduces a vertical dimension (depth) to the button structure. By creating a rigid element that extends downward from the press surface to the switch, it provides a three-dimensional force transmission path that complements the two-dimensional large press surface area.
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 design enhances haptic feedback and ensures reliable activation of the switch without a long and hard press, addressing the issues of poor feedback and unsuccessful activation in traditional buttons.
Implementation Method 1
the elastic deformation produced by applying force to the first portion is able to increase the downward movement of the first portion through the reinforcement structure
Data Source
AI summary
A button structure includes a circuit board, a first portion, a second portion, and a reinforcement structure. The circuit board has a switch thereon. The first portion is located above the switch. The second portion partially covers the first portion and surrounds the first portion. The reinforcement structure is disposed on the first portion. The reinforcement structure is higher than the first portion in Young's modulus.