Sealed Biometric Button Assembly for Electronic Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional electronic device buttons are not biometrically sensitive and often fail to seal properly, allowing liquid and contaminants to ingress, which can damage internal components.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a sealed button biometric sensing system, featuring a button assembly with a biometric sensor, a flexible conduit, and a seal that restricts contaminants from entering the device while allowing electrical signals to be transmitted to the processor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional buttons are used in electronic devices, then the device structure is simple, but the buttons cannot sense biometric characteristics and may allow liquid and contaminants to ingress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single button assembly: biometric sensing (fingerprint sensor), tactile input (dome switch), and sealed protection. The button assembly integrates the input member, biometric sensor, dome switch, and sealing components into one unified structure that serves multiple purposes simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where the biometric sensor is positioned below the input member, the dome switch is positioned below the biometric sensor, and the seal is positioned between the button assembly and enclosure. Each component is nested within the structure of the previous component, creating a compact multi-functional assembly.
2Reliability
If a sealed button assembly is implemented, then protection from contaminants is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible seal (gasket) that can be compressed between the button assembly and enclosure to create an effective seal. The flexible nature of the seal allows it to conform to slight variations in manufacturing tolerances, making the sealing process more robust and easier to manufacture while maintaining reliable protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal acts as an intermediary element between the button assembly and the enclosure, providing the sealing function without requiring precise machining or complex joining processes. The seal compensates for manufacturing variations and simplifies the assembly process while ensuring contaminant protection.
3Reliability
If a flexible conduit is used to transmit signals from the biometric sensor, then electrical connection is maintained, but potential pathways for contaminant ingress are created
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible conduit with a sealed construction that transmits electrical signals while maintaining the protective seal. The conduit is positioned within the sealed environment and connected to the biometric sensor without compromising the overall seal integrity, allowing signal transmission while preventing contaminant ingress.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible conduit is designed as a simple, reliable component that can be easily replaced if needed, using cost-effective materials and construction methods that provide sufficient protection without requiring complex contamination barriers.
4Adaptability or versatility
If biometric sensing capabilities are integrated into the button, then user authentication is enabled, but the button structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the biometric sensing function with the existing button structure. The fingerprint sensor is integrated below the input member, allowing the button to serve both as a mechanical input device and a biometric authentication device, enabling user authentication without adding a separate component.
Solution Approach 2:
The button assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: mechanical pressing (dome switch), biometric authentication (fingerprint sensor), and sealed protection. This multi-functional design allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate elements, managing complexity through functional integration.
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 integrates biometric sensing capabilities into an electronic device while maintaining a sealed environment to protect internal components from contaminants, ensuring reliable operation and user authentication.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible conduit coupled to the biometric sensor and configured to transmit the output signal to the processor
Implementation Method 2
a seal positioned between a sealing surface of the button assembly and the enclosure
Data Source
AI summary
A biometric button assembly may be disposed in an opening of an enclosure of an electronic device. The biometric button assembly may include an input member that forms an exterior surface of the button housing and is configured to receive inputs, for example from a user of the electronic device. The biometric button assembly may further include a biometric sensor for detecting the received inputs and transmitting a signal to a processor of the electronic device. The signal may correspond to a biometric characteristic, such as a fingerprint. A flexible conduit may transmit the signal to the processor. A portion of the flexible conduit and a seal may be positioned between the button assembly and the enclosure that prevents contaminants from entering the button housing and the enclosure.