Rotary Input Mechanism Sealing for Wearable Electronics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic devices face challenges in providing multiple types of user input while maintaining enclosure integrity and reducing environmental exposure, as single-input mechanisms can allow water and air to enter, compromising internal electronics.
Innovation Solution
A wearable electronic device with a multi-input button that includes a rotary encoder and sensors to detect rotational and compression inputs, sealed with O-rings or membrane seals to prevent environmental intrusion, allowing for haptic feedback and secure movement within the enclosure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a button or switch is used as an input device, then user input capability is provided, but water and air can enter the enclosure through the aperture
Solution Approach 1:
A membrane seal acts as an intermediary between the button aperture and the internal electronics. The membrane allows the button to move and transmit input while maintaining the seal integrity, preventing water and air from entering the enclosure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a flexible membrane seal that can deform to accommodate button movement while maintaining the enclosure seal. This thin film structure allows mechanical input transmission without compromising environmental protection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple input buttons are provided, then functionality is enhanced, but the number of apertures and potential entry points for environmental elements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single button that can detect multiple types of user input (pressing, sliding in different directions, rotating). This multi-functional input device eliminates the need for multiple separate buttons, reducing the number of apertures required while maintaining enhanced input functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple input functions that would traditionally require separate buttons are merged into a single button structure. The button can perform pressing, sliding, and rotating operations, consolidating multiple input mechanisms into one component and reducing environmental exposure points.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the enclosure is made more sealed, then environmental protection is improved, but input device operation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible membrane seal is used to maintain enclosure sealing while allowing button movement. The membrane's flexibility enables it to deform during button operation, ensuring both environmental protection and operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing solution is made dynamic through the use of a flexible membrane that adapts its shape during button operation. The membrane remains sealed at rest but becomes deformable during input, dynamically adjusting to accommodate operational requirements while maintaining protection.
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 enables a wearable device to receive multiple types of user inputs while maintaining enclosure integrity, enhancing user interaction without compromising the device's internal components, and providing effective sealing against environmental elements.
Implementation Method 1
a sensing element in communication with the processing element... the sensing element is operative to track a movement of the input button and output a signal
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a wearable electronic device. The wearable electronic device includes an enclosure having a sidewall with a button aperture defined therethrough, a display connected to the enclosure, and a processing element in communication with the display. The device also includes a sensing element in communication with the processing element and an input button at least partially received within the button aperture and in communication with the sensing element, the input button configured to receive two types of user inputs. During operation, the sensing element tracks movement of the input button to determine the two types of user inputs.