Rotatable Key Assembly with Optical Couplers for Multi-Function Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing complexity of electronic devices due to additional function keys complicates the manufacturing process and increases costs, as existing key assemblies struggle to efficiently integrate and control diverse operations while maintaining user experience and reducing unnecessary key rotations.
Innovation Solution
A key assembly comprising a rotatable key body with optical couplers and a switch unit, supported by a frictional engagement mechanism, which includes a circular disk with direction key portions and a center key, interacting with a printed circuit board to generate control signals and reduce size and cost by using a combination of optical couplers and elastic materials for smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional function keys are added to control diverse operations, then the functionality of the electronic device is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The key assembly is designed to perform multiple functions through a single integrated structure. The key body can rotate to different positions (first position for first operation, second position for second operation) and includes both direction keys and a center key, allowing one component to control diverse operations without requiring separate keys for each function
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functional elements are merged into a single key assembly. The key body integrates direction keys (first through fourth direction keys) and a center key, combining what would traditionally be separate control elements into one unified component that can be rotated and pressed to execute different operations
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional function keys are added to control diverse operations, then the functionality of the electronic device is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The key assembly serves multiple functions through rotation and pressing actions, eliminating the need to manufacture and assemble multiple separate physical keys. This multi-functional design reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby reducing manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 2:
By merging multiple key functions into a single rotatable key assembly, the manufacturing process is simplified. Instead of producing numerous individual keys and their associated mounting structures, a single integrated key body is manufactured and installed, reducing material costs, assembly steps, and overall manufacturing complexity
3Ease of operation
If the key body rotates freely, then the ease of operation is improved, but unnecessary rotations occur reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic component is pre-configured to provide resistance against unintended rotation. When the key body attempts to rotate to an unintended position, the elastic component generates a counteracting force that prevents the rotation, thereby maintaining reliability while allowing deliberate rotation to intended positions
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic component provides tactile feedback during rotation by resisting movement to unintended positions and allowing movement to intended positions. This feedback mechanism helps the user understand the current state of the key assembly and prevents accidental or unnecessary rotations while maintaining ease of deliberate operation
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 efficient control of multiple operations with reduced size and cost, improving user experience by preventing unnecessary key rotations and enhancing the functionality of electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
The PCB 30 comprises two optical couplers 32 and a switch unit 40. When the key body 10 rotates about a shaft A1 that passes through the center of the circular disk 12 and is perpendicular to the PCB 30, the plurality of teeth 14 interact with the two optical couplers 32 to generate one or more control signals
Implementation Method 2
The key body 10 is in frictional engagement with the supporting assembly 20 to damp rotation of the key body 10 under an external force so as to improve user experience and prevent unnecessary rotation of the key body 10
Data Source
AI summary
A key assembly used in an electronic device includes a printed circuit board (PCB) including two optical couplers, a key body and a supporting assembly. The key body is rotatably supported on the PCB and includes a circular disk and a plurality of teeth. The plurality of teeth extend from periphery edge of the circular disk toward the PCB and are spaced apart from each other. The supporting assembly supports the key body on the PCB. When the key body is rotated, the plurality of teeth interact with the two optical couplers to generate one or more control signals to control corresponding one or more operations of the electronic device.