Seamless Elastomeric Button Array for Handheld Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Handheld communication devices face issues with foreign materials entering through openings around buttons and keypads, leading to potential damage and loss of tactility due to imprecision in manufacturing and assembly of multiple components.
Innovation Solution
A seamless button array panel design featuring a top layer made of elastomeric material that covers the buttons and keypads, eliminating openings and providing a continuous, flexible surface that prevents dust and liquids from entering, while maintaining button functionality through actuators and plunger tips.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If buttons and keypads are constructed using multiple components, then manufacturing flexibility is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates leading to loss of tactility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple button components into a single integrated button assembly that functions as one unit. This consolidation eliminates the need for precise alignment of multiple separate parts while maintaining the tactile feedback and functional integrity of the button interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The button assembly is designed to perform multiple functions through a single integrated structure, combining the mechanical actuation, tactile feedback, and electrical contact functions into one unified component that can be manufactured with standard precision.
2Ease of operation
If buttons extend out of openings, then button functionality is improved, but foreign material ingress is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible seal layer that conforms to the button assembly structure, creating a continuous barrier that prevents foreign materials from entering through openings while allowing the buttons to extend for functional operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal layer acts as an intermediary element between the button assembly and the external environment, providing a protective barrier that prevents direct contact between foreign materials and the internal device components while maintaining button accessibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components are used for buttons, then design flexibility is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple button components into a single integrated assembly, reducing the number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and aligned while preserving the design flexibility needed for various button configurations and functions.
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 prevents foreign material ingress, enhances tactility, and reduces manufacturing complexity by using a single, flexible top layer and substrate assembly, ensuring reliable operation and durability of the device.
Implementation Method 1
A seamless button array panel design featuring a top layer made of elastomeric material that covers the buttons and keypads
Data Source
AI summary
A button array panel for a handheld communication device. The button array panel can include buttons and a continuous and seamless layer covering each button. Each button has an associated function and full recovery. A substrate layer can also be provided and can be interposed between the buttons and continuous and seamless layer. The button array panel can be a side button array panel or a keypad button array panel. The button array panel can prevent material, such as dust or liquid, from penetrating the handheld communication device.