Switch Structure Vibration Damping via Intermediate Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional switch structures in electronic equipment, such as electronic keyboards, face issues with vibrating sounds (Rub & Buzz) due to casing vibrations and require a large number of components, leading to complex assembly and increased labor costs.
Innovation Solution
A simplified switch structure with a circuit board, intermediate member, and panel member design, where the intermediate member is securely fixed between the panel and circuit board, reducing vibrations and minimizing component count, and incorporating a resilient connection to suppress sound vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If pre-tension is applied to hinge portions to suppress vibrating sounds, then vibration suppression is improved, but deformation occurs in contact rubber members preventing appropriate ON/OFF operation
Solution Approach 1:
A damping member is introduced as an intermediary component between the circuit board and the contact rubber member. This damping member absorbs vibrations before they reach the contact rubber member, eliminating the need to apply pre-tension to the hinge portions. The contact rubber member maintains its original elasticity and reliability for proper ON/OFF operation while vibrating sounds are suppressed by the damping member.
2Adaptability or versatility
If controls and contact rubber members are constructed as separate parts, then flexibility is improved, but the number of component parts increases leading to complex assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The control and contact rubber member are merged into a single integrated component. The control includes an operator portion that the user operates and a base portion that functions as the contact rubber member with built-in contacts. This integration eliminates the need for separate assembly of multiple components while maintaining the functional flexibility of the switch structure.
3Reliability
If a great number of component parts are used in switch structure, then functional requirements are met, but assembly time and labor increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional components are merged into fewer integrated parts. The control assembly combines the operator, hinge portion, and contact rubber member with contacts into a single unit that can be installed as one component. The damping member is integrated with the circuit board, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps. This reduces assembly time and labor while maintaining all necessary functions and reliability.
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
Effectively suppresses vibrating sounds and simplifies the assembly process by reducing the number of necessary components, enhancing the operation panel design and preventing foreign substances from entering the switch portion.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient connection portion (49) resiliently connecting the operator portion (47) to said base section (45)
Data Source
AI summary
An intermediate member includes: a base section including a fixing portion provided on a circuit board along the outer periphery of a switch section, and a cylindrical held portion formed integrally with the upper end of the fixing portion; a operator portion operable to drive the switch section; and a resilient connection portion resiliently connecting the operator portion to the base section. A panel member and the circuit board are fixed in face-to-face pressed engagement with each other with the intermediate member sandwiched therebetween. The operator portion is partly exposed out of an opening portion formed in the panel member, the held portion is held fitted with a cylindrical holding portion provided on the lower surface of the panel member, and the fixing portion is sandwiched between the lower end of the holding portion and the upper surface of the circuit board.