Sealed PCB Module With Integrated Dome Switch Waterproofing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic communication modules lack waterproof actionable switches, which are essential for waterproofing and integrating complex communication components like RFID, NFC, and Bluetooth technologies, due to the differences in design schemes between professional flashlights and communication modules.
Innovation Solution
A sealed electronic module with a watertight compartment containing a printed circuit board, featuring a housing with ribbings to support the board and a sealing element with adhesive for tight closure, incorporating a metal dome switch for actionable parts, enabling implementation of wireless communication technologies while maintaining waterproofing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If professional flashlight modules with waterproof push-button switches are used, then waterproofing is achieved, but device complexity increases and communication component integration is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into a first housing and a second housing that are assembled together, with the printed circuit board positioned between them. This segmentation allows the actionable part to be integrated into the PCB structure rather than requiring a separate waterproof switch mechanism, simplifying the overall design while maintaining waterproofing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the actionable part directly with the printed circuit board structure, eliminating the need for separate waterproof push-button switches. The PCB itself becomes the substrate for the actionable part, combining multiple functions into a single integrated structure that reduces device complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If simple waterproof modules are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but communication component integration capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The housing structure is designed with universal adaptability to accommodate various communication components (RFID, NFC, Bluetooth, audio) on the printed circuit board. The first and second housings create a standardized enclosure that can integrate different communication modules without requiring separate waterproof switch designs, enabling multi-functionality while maintaining ease of manufacture.
3Ease of operation
If separate waterproof switches are integrated, then actionable functionality is achieved, but the module size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actionable part is merged with the printed circuit board, eliminating the need for separate waterproof switch mechanisms. This integration allows the actionable functionality to be achieved within the existing PCB footprint, preventing additional volume increase in the module.
4Reliability
If traditional waterproof switch designs are used, then waterproofing is ensured, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The printed circuit board itself serves the dual function of both the circuit substrate and the structural base for the actionable part. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate waterproof switch components and their associated manufacturing processes, reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining waterproofing through the sealed housing assembly.
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 provides a compact, cost-effective electronic module capable of implementing RFID, NFC, and Bluetooth technologies while ensuring waterproof operation, suitable for wearable devices and Internet of Things applications.
Implementation Method 1
the sealing element comprises an adhesive on all or part of its internal face
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a sealed electronic module (1) comprising at least one actionable part (2), the module (1) including a case (2) comprising: - a watertight compartment (4) containing a printed circuit board (5), the said compartment (4) being formed by a housing (13) with a unique opening (20), the housing (13) comprising the printed circuit board (5), and - a sealing element (6a, 6b) configured for closing tightly this unique opening (20) by being fixed to the housing (13) and the printed circuit board (5).