Thin Press Button With Pivoting Link Member

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional press buttons in portable devices have complex assembly operations and a large movement profile, which complicates size reduction and weight minimization in thin electronic devices.

Innovation Solution

A press button design featuring a base plate, link member, cap, and stoppers, where the cap pivots on the link member and the stoppers have a sliding recess, reducing the thickness by replacing vertical movement with pivotal swinging motion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a conventional scissors-like mechanism is used in the press button, then the button can achieve vertical movement, but the number of components increases and assembly operations become complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebutton movementVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the cap and link member into a single integrated component, eliminating the need for separate posts and reducing the number of parts. The link member directly provides the swinging motion without requiring additional connecting elements, thus simplifying the overall structure while maintaining the button's operational functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The link member serves multiple functions: it acts as both the structural support and the moving mechanism that enables the cap's swinging motion. By combining support and motion functions into a single component, the design reduces complexity while achieving the desired button operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If the cap moves vertically in a conventional press button, then the button operation is simple, but the movement profile is large which increases the thickness of the press button

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebutton operationVSAvoidthickness of press button

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the movement direction from vertical (one-dimensional) to a pivotal swinging motion (arc-shaped path in two dimensions). This dimensional change allows the cap to achieve sufficient movement for operation while following a compact arc trajectory that reduces the overall thickness requirement of the press button structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of moving the cap vertically along a straight line, the invention inverts the approach by having the cap pivot on the link member, creating a swinging motion. This inverted movement pattern achieves the same operational effect with a smaller profile, thereby reducing the press button's thickness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If a scissors-like mechanism with multiple components is used, then the button can be supported properly, but the assembly operations are complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebutton supportVSAvoidassembly operations

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The cap and link member are merged into a single integrated component that provides both structural support and moving functionality. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate posts and connecting elements, significantly simplifying assembly operations while maintaining proper button support and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8772661B2Press button and portable computer using the same

Publication Date: 2014.07.08 WISTRON CORP

AI summary

A thin press button is provided. The press button includes a base plate, a link member, a cap, and at least one stopper. The link member, having a sliding recess, is disposed on the base plate. The cap pivots on the link member. The stopper has a first end and a second end, wherein the first end pivots on the cap and the second end is slidably disposed in the sliding recess.