Support Member Segmentation for Switch Misactivation in Portable Electronics
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Solution Overview
Problem
In portable electronic devices, the short distance between the input portion and the switch can lead to unintended switch activation when the casing is depressed, causing the switch to close undesirably.
Innovation Solution
A support member with an engagement portion, such as claws, is used to securely hold the circuit board, preventing unintended activation by allowing the support member to deform with the arm rest depression, keeping the switch board away from the operation portions of the buttons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the distance between the input portion and the switch is shortened to make the device thinner and lighter, then portability is improved, but the switch is more likely to be undesirably closed when the casing is depressed
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is divided into a first support portion that supports the switch board and a second support portion that supports the arm rest, allowing independent deformation of each support portion to prevent unintended switch activation while maintaining compact design
Solution Approach 2:
The support member is designed to be deformable, allowing it to change shape when the arm rest is depressed, thereby maintaining the switch board's position away from the operation portions even when the distance between input portion and switch is short
2Reliability
If the support member is made deformable to prevent unintended switch closure, then switch operation reliability is improved, but the mechanical strength of the support structure may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is segmented into multiple support portions with different deformation characteristics, allowing the first support portion to remain relatively rigid for structural strength while the second support portion deforms to prevent switch misactivation
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the support member have different rigidity characteristics - the first support portion maintaining high rigidity for structural support while the second support portion has controlled deformability to prevent unintended switch closure
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 design prevents unintended switch closure, enhances mechanical strength, and ensures reliable operation of the portable computer by maintaining the switch board's position relative to the buttons during arm rest depression.
Implementation Method 1
a support member configured to permit the circuit board to be supported by the cover... configured to hold the circuit board in cooperation with the support member
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an electronic device includes a casing including a cover, an input portion provided on the cover and configured to receive an external input, a circuit board contained in the casing and including a switch configured to be operated by the input portion, a support member configured to permit the circuit board to be supported by the cover, and an engagement portion integral with the support member and configured to hold the circuit board in cooperation with the support member.