Spring Clip Sensor Mounting for Mobile Touch Buttons
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touch input structures in mobile communications devices rely on physical buttons, which can be cumbersome, and existing touch sensing technologies require securement methods that often involve adhesives or screws, lacking a flexible and adhesive-free solution for integrating touch sensor assemblies within device cases.
Innovation Solution
A touch button apparatus that includes a touch sensor slot and a touch sensor spring clip to securely position and attach a touch sensor assembly, such as a sensor inductor coil, within the device case, eliminating the need for adhesives or screws by using a spring clip to flexibly urge the sensor toward the button surface, with spacers maintaining a sensing gap.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adhesives or screws are used to secure the touch sensor assembly, then the sensor assembly is firmly fixed, but the assembly process becomes complex and requires additional materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fastening function from traditional adhesives or screws and integrates it into the spring clip structure itself. The spring clip's elastic deformation capability provides the securing mechanism, eliminating the need for separate fastening materials and simplifying the assembly process while maintaining reliable fixation of the touch sensor assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The spring clip performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, enables easy installation through elastic deformation, and secures the touch sensor assembly without additional materials. The elastic property allows the clip to self-adjust and maintain constant contact pressure, making the system self-regulating and eliminating the need for separate fastening components
2Manufacturing precision
If a rigid mounting method is used, then the touch sensor assembly is firmly positioned, but the assembly cannot accommodate misalignment or positioning errors
Solution Approach 1:
The spring clip transitions from a static rigid mounting structure to a dynamic elastic structure. The clip can deform elastically to accommodate positioning variations during assembly, then maintains stable contact with the touch sensor assembly. This dynamic capability allows the system to tolerate manufacturing tolerances while still achieving precise functional positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The spring clip changes its physical state through elastic deformation, allowing it to adapt to different positioning scenarios. When installed, the clip deforms to match the actual position of the touch sensor assembly, then maintains optimal contact pressure. This parameter change capability enables the system to accommodate positioning errors while maintaining manufacturing precision
3Reliability
If traditional fastening methods are used, then the touch sensor assembly is securely attached, but the assembly process requires additional materials and steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the support structure and fastening function into a single integrated spring clip component. The clip simultaneously provides structural support for the touch sensor assembly and secures it through elastic deformation. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate fastening materials and simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining secure attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The spring clip serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables easy installation through elastic deformation, secures the touch sensor assembly, and allows for disassembly and repositioning. This multi-functionality replaces traditional multi-component fastening systems, making the manufacturing process easier while maintaining reliable attachment
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
This solution provides a secure, adhesive-free, and flexible method for integrating touch sensor assemblies in mobile devices, enhancing the durability and ease of assembly while maintaining effective touch sensing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The touch sensor spring clip can be inserted within the touch sensor slot to flexibly urge the touch sensor portion toward the front-side surface of the touch sensor slot
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus to secure a sensor assembly for a device touch button (such as for a mobile communications device). A touch sensor slot forms a part of the device case interior at a back-side of the touch button surface, and is configured to position the touch sensor (such as a sense coil inductor) relative to the associated touch button. A touch sensor spring clip is inserted within the touch sensor slot to flexibly urge the touch sensor toward the front-side surface of the touch sensor slot (back-side of the touch button surface). The touch sensor can include front-side spacers to maintain a sensing gap between the touch sensor and the touch button surface, and can include a sensor stiffener at the back-side surface of the touch sensor assembly, the touch sensor spring clip contacting the sensor stiffener. The touch sensor assembly can comprise a flex circuit PCB assembly.