Switch Unit Waterproof Sheet for Game Machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional switch units and game machines lack a waterproof structure for contacts and light sources, especially when liquid is spilled, leading to contact fixation and impaired visibility, and insufficient light emission presentation.
Innovation Solution
A switch unit with a light transmissive waterproof sheet made of an elastic member, featuring a contact conducting portion, a down portion for sealing, and a light transmitting portion, which prevents liquid from reaching the contacts and light sources while maintaining light emission functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional switch unit is used without a waterproof structure, then the operating feel and simplicity are maintained, but liquid ingress causes contact fixation and impaired visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible waterproof film that conforms to the switch unit geometry, creating a waterproof barrier without requiring rigid enclosures. This thin film structure prevents liquid ingress while preserving the operational characteristics of the buttons and maintaining visual transparency.
Solution Approach 2:
The waterproof film acts as an intermediary layer between the external environment and the internal switch components. It mediates the interaction between liquid and contacts, allowing operational forces to pass through while blocking liquid penetration, thus protecting the contacts without interfering with button operation.
2Reliability
If a waterproof structure is added to protect contacts, then liquid ingress is prevented, but the visual transparency and light emission are blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The waterproof film utilizes optical properties including transparency and light reflection characteristics to maintain visual functionality. By selecting materials with appropriate optical transmission properties, the film allows light to pass through while still providing effective waterproof protection, ensuring that the switch unit remains visually functional.
3Reliability
If a waterproof structure is added to protect light sources, then liquid damage is prevented, but the light emission presentation is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible waterproof film allows light to pass through while protecting the light sources from liquid damage. The film's material properties enable it to transmit light effectively, ensuring that the light emission presentation and visual appeal of the switch unit are maintained even while providing comprehensive waterproof protection.
4Reliability
If the waterproof sheet is made opaque to block light, then liquid ingress is prevented, but the aesthetic appeal and light presentation are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The waterproof film is designed with specific optical characteristics including transparency and light reflection properties. This allows the film to provide waterproof protection while maintaining the aesthetic appearance and light transmission capabilities of the switch unit, ensuring that the visual appeal is preserved.
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 provides an effective waterproof structure for contacts and light sources, ensuring operational integrity and attractive light emission presentation even when liquids are spilled, by using a colored elastic sheet that transmits light and blocks it where necessary, preventing liquid ingress and maintaining the operational feel of a push-button switch.
Implementation Method 1
a light transmitting portion formed on a top surface thereof, the light transmitting portion configured to transmit light from the light sources therethrough
Implementation Method 2
a light transmissive water-proof sheet made of an elastic member, the light transmissive water-proof sheet being provided between the display part and the at least one operating button
Data Source
AI summary
A switch unit has a display part that displays an image in at least one input area, a substrate provided above the display part, the substrate having a contact, and at least one substrate opening configured to allow the image in the at least one input area to be viewed from above, an operating button case that covers the substrate, having at least one button case opening, at least one operating button that has translucency, and that is freely pressed down through the at least one button case opening of the operating button case and causes conduction of the contact by being pressed down, light sources mounted on the substrate, that illuminate an area surrounding the at least one operating button, and a light transmissive water-proof sheet made of an elastic member.