Side Fingerprint Sensor Key Waterproof Structure for PCB Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The placement of fingerprint sensors on electronic devices, particularly on side faces, poses challenges in implementing a waterproof mechanical key while maintaining a desirable aesthetic design, as it complicates usability and introduces physical obstacles that hinder effective waterproofing.
Innovation Solution
A sensor key assembly is designed that combines a fingerprint sensor with a side key, using a flexible circuit board to connect to a printed circuit board, and incorporates a waterproof structure with tapes and a dummy to seal gaps between spaces, allowing the sensor key assembly to function both as a biometric sensor and a side key, while maintaining device aesthetics and usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the fingerprint sensor is disposed on a side face of the housing, then the device can maintain aesthetic design and compact form factor, but it becomes difficult to implement a waterproof mechanical key and maintain desirable usability
Solution Approach 1:
The side face is divided into two separate spaces: a first space for the sensor key assembly and a second space for the printed circuit board. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each space for its specific function while maintaining overall waterproof integrity through separate sealing strategies for each compartment.
Solution Approach 2:
A waterproof structure acts as an intermediary barrier between the first space (sensor key assembly) and the second space (printed circuit board). This intermediary component prevents moisture from penetrating from one space to another, enabling waterproofing without compromising the side-face placement configuration.
2Volume of moving object
If the fingerprint sensor is disposed on a side face of the housing, then the device can maintain compact form factor, but the usability of the fingerprint sensor degrades as it requires two-handed operation
Solution Approach 1:
The fingerprint sensor is merged with a mechanical key function, creating a sensor key assembly that combines biometric sensing and physical key operations in a single component. This allows the sensor to serve dual purposes, improving usability by enabling one-handed operation for both fingerprint authentication and key functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor key assembly is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both a fingerprint sensor and a mechanical key. This universal design allows the same component to perform multiple functions (fingerprint recognition and key pressing), thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining the compact side-face placement.
3Volume of moving object
If the fingerprint sensor is disposed on a side face of the housing, then the device can maintain compact form factor, but it introduces physical obstacles that hinder effective waterproofing
Solution Approach 1:
The internal structure is segmented into distinct sealed compartments, with the sensor key assembly housed in a first space and the printed circuit board in a second space. This segmentation allows for targeted waterproofing measures in each space, preventing moisture penetration while maintaining the compact side-face configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
A waterproof structure serves as an intermediary barrier between the first space and second space, blocking moisture penetration paths. This intermediary component enables the compact side-face placement by providing the necessary waterproof separation without requiring larger overall device dimensions.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5A
AI summary
An electronic device according to the disclosure may include: a housing including a first plate oriented in a first direction, a second plate oriented in a second direction, and a side member oriented in a third direction, the side member surrounding at least a portion of a space defined between the first and second plates, a printed circuit board disposed between the first and second plates, a support member supporting the printed circuit board and coupled to at least a portion of the side member, a fingerprint sensor key exposed on at least a portion of the side member, and electrically connected to the printed circuit board using a flexible circuit board, and at least one waterproof structure mounted on the support member sealing a second space in which the printed circuit board is located from a first space in which the fingerprint sensor key assembly is located.