Side Key Assembly With Elastic Protrusions for Click Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The side key in electronic devices can move excessively due to a fine gap between the key assembly and the key hole, leading to a deterioration in the feeling of clicking.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device design featuring a key hole with a longer length in one direction and a key assembly with elastic protrusions that contact the inner wall of the key hole, preventing movement while maintaining the click sensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fine gap is formed between the key assembly and the key hole to allow clicking operation, then the key assembly can move smoothly for clicking operation, but the key assembly may move excessively in the key hole
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making different parts of the key assembly have different properties. The pressing member is formed of an elastic material that allows deformation, while the positioning protrusions provide rigid positioning. This local differentiation enables the key assembly to move smoothly during clicking while preventing excessive movement through the positioning protrusions contacting the key hole walls.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the pressing member by using an elastic material that can deform. This parameter change allows the pressing member to flex during insertion and clicking operation, accommodating the fine gap needed for smooth operation, while the non-elastic positioning protrusions maintain stable positioning by preventing excessive movement.
2Ease of manufacture
If the key hole dimensions are made larger than the key assembly dimensions to allow insertion and operation, then the key assembly can be installed and operated, but excessive movement of the key assembly occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making different parts of the key assembly have different properties. The pressing member is formed of an elastic material that allows deformation, while the positioning protrusions provide rigid positioning. This local differentiation enables the key assembly to move smoothly during clicking while preventing excessive movement through the positioning protrusions contacting the key hole walls.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies asymmetry by designing the key hole with different dimensional relationships in different directions. The key hole is configured to have a first dimension that allows sufficient clearance for the key assembly to move during clicking operation, while the second dimension is constrained by the positioning protrusions to prevent excessive movement. This asymmetric dimensional design resolves the contradiction between ease of installation and position stability.
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 key assembly movement within the key hole without compromising the click feeling, ensuring proper operation and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
the first protrusions are brought into contact with an inner wall of the key hole and have elasticity such that at least parts of the first protrusions are capable of elastic deformation
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a housing having a key hole formed therein and including a switch disposed therein, the key hole being formed such that a first length is longer than a second, perpendicular length and a key assembly coupled to the housing, a portion of the key assembly being disposed inside the key hole. The key assembly includes a cover member, a portion of which is exposed outside the housing through the key hole and a pressing member that is coupled to the cover member and presses the switch. The pressing member includes first protrusions protruding from opposite longitudinal ends of the pressing member in a first direction, and the first protrusions are brought into contact with an inner wall of the key hole and have elasticity such that a portion of the first protrusions are capable of elastic deformation.