Switch Casing Segmentation for Click Feel and Thinning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mobile terminal switch structures with supporting sections arranged in a single plane result in a wide support surface, leading to a poor click feeling and limitations in thinning and downsizing.
Innovation Solution
A switch structure featuring a wiring sheet with elastic conductive members supported by multiple sections spaced wider than the member's width, incorporating a protruding part and a top plate, with the elastic member held between the wiring sheet and a cover sheet, and formed from a sheet metal casing for improved click sensation and thinning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If supporting sections are arranged in a single plane to provide wide support area, then the support surface becomes wide, but the feeling of click deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting sections are segmented into multiple discrete sections rather than forming a continuous single-plane surface. Each supporting section is positioned at specific locations around the protruding part, creating gaps between them. This segmentation allows the support surface to be distributed across multiple points while maintaining the click feeling through the gaps, resolving the contradiction between wide support area and click sensation.
2Length of moving object
If the casing wall thickness is reduced to achieve thinning, then the device becomes thinner, but the structural rigidity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting sections are formed as discrete segmented structures within the casing rather than a continuous thick wall. These segmented supporting sections are strategically positioned to provide localized reinforcement where needed (around the switch mechanism) while allowing the overall casing wall thickness to be reduced. This enables thinning of the casing while maintaining structural rigidity through the segmented support architecture.
3Volume of moving object
If the switch structure is downsized to achieve smaller device dimensions, then the device becomes more compact, but the click feeling may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting sections are designed with specific local geometric qualities including curved surfaces and optimized positioning around the protruding part. These local quality features concentrate the mechanical interaction in a small volume while maintaining effective click sensation. The supporting sections have specific surface profiles that enhance the click feeling despite the reduced overall size of the switch structure, resolving the contradiction between downsizing and click sensation.
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 enhances the click feel by optimizing the spacing and arrangement of supporting sections and protruding parts, allowing for further thinning of the casing while maintaining rigidity and reducing operational force, thus improving user experience and manufacturing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member electrically conductive to the wiring of the wiring sheet
Data Source
AI summary
A switch according to the present invention has a plurality of protruding parts and a plurality of support sections both of which are formed on a surface of a thin metal sheet by press molding. The switch includes a plurality of switch sections formed by elastic deformable conductors arranged so as to have a convex surface opposed to the protruding parts, a wiring sheet covering the conductors, and switch buttons. At least one support portion is provided around the protruding parts and a gap area is left between the protruding parts and a switch sheet. In this gap area, each conductor is accommodated at the same position as the protruding parts. The support sections are disposed in a dotted-form to accomplish improvement of a feeling of click that is one of the performances on which the user places much value. In addition, a casing, the protruding parts, and the support portions are press-molded of a thin metal sheet, thereby obtaining the effect of reducing wall thickness and increasing the rigidity.