Integrated Spring-Arm Button Frame for Reliable Rebound
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing buttons require multiple components, including springs and additional fixing elements, which complicate the structure, increase production and maintenance difficulties, and are not efficient in providing a simple and reliable press feedback mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A frame assembly with a frame body and spring arms that obliquely extend from the frame body to a substrate, allowing a spacing between the frame body and a contact switch when not pressed, and deforming to trigger the switch upon external force, then returning to the original spacing upon release, reducing the number of components needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a reset component such as a spring is arranged in the button to separate the frame from the electrical signal generation component, then the frame can rebound after pressing, but additional components are required to fix the reset component, complicating the structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the reset function directly into the frame body by designing the frame as a flexible piece that elastically deforms during pressing and automatically returns to its original position. This eliminates the need for separate reset components and their fixing structures, thereby simplifying the overall button structure while maintaining the rebound function.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame body is designed to perform its own reset function through elastic deformation. When pressed, the flexible frame deforms and makes contact with the electrical signal generation component; when released, the elastic properties of the frame automatically restore it to its original position, separating from the component without requiring additional reset mechanisms.
2Reliability
If additional components are designed to fix the reset component during assembly or maintenance, then the reset component displacement or loss is prevented, but the production and maintenance troubles increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the reset function into the frame body itself, the patent eliminates separate reset components that would require fixing structures. This reduces the number of parts that need to be assembled and fixed, thereby simplifying production processes and reducing maintenance complexity while ensuring component stability.
3Reliability
If multiple components are used to constitute the button including springs and fixing elements, then the press feedback mechanism is reliable, but the component count increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (frame structure, reset mechanism, and feedback transmission) into a single integrated frame body. The flexible frame serves as both the structural element and the reset component, eliminating the need for separate springs and fixing elements, thereby reducing component count while maintaining reliable press feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame body is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides structural support, elastic reset function, and mechanical feedback transmission. This universal design allows a single component to perform multiple roles that traditionally required several separate parts, reducing overall component quantity.
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 simplifies the button structure by integrating the spring function into the frame assembly, reducing component count and maintaining reliable press feedback without additional fixing components, thus enhancing production efficiency and maintenance simplicity.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one spring arm obliquely extends from the frame body to the substrate, so that when the frame body is not pressed by an external force, there is a spacing between the frame body and the contact switch
Data Source
AI summary
A frame assembly is adapted to be mounted on a substrate having a contact switch. The frame assembly includes a frame body and at least one spring arm. The frame body is adapted to move along an operational direction to be in contact with the contact switch. The spring arms are connected to the frame body and obliquely extend from the frame body to the substrate, so that when the frame body is not pressed by an external force, there is a spacing between the frame body and the contact switch. In this way, the number of parts of a button may be reduced by connecting the spring arms to the frame body. The present invention further provides a button using the above frame assembly.