Touchpad Module With Laser-Welded Spacers for Consistent Tactile Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional touchpad modules face issues with inconsistent tactile feedback due to varying traveling distances across different locations, leading to impaired operating feel and potential failure of the metal dome switch, and the manufacturing process is time-consuming and complex with silicone rubber elements requiring adhesive layers and a lengthy baking process.
Innovation Solution
A touchpad module design featuring a touch member, a bracket with perforations, elastic elements, and spacers, where the elastic elements are laser-welded to the bracket and spacers are laser-welded to the touch member, providing consistent deformation and haptic feedback, and simplifying the manufacturing process by eliminating the need for adhesive layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If silicone rubber elements are used with adhesive layers and baking process, then the touchpad module can provide elastic feedback, but the manufacturing process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the adhesive layers and baking process from the manufacturing procedure. Instead of using silicone rubber elements bonded with adhesives, the invention uses metal dome switches that are directly integrated into the circuit board through conventional mounting techniques, removing the time-consuming baking step while maintaining the elastic feedback function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical adhesive bonding system with a direct mechanical mounting system. Metal dome switches are mounted and fixed to the circuit board using standard electronic component mounting methods, substituting the complex mechanical adhesive process with a simpler, more efficient mechanical attachment approach.
2Productivity
If metal dome switch is used, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the traveling distances corresponding to different locations become inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning multiple metal dome switches at specific locations across the touchpad surface. Each dome switch is strategically placed to ensure consistent travel distance and tactile feedback at different regions of the touchpad, compensating for the inherent variations in lever arm mechanics at different positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the touchpad surface into multiple independent actuation zones, each equipped with its own metal dome switch. This segmentation allows each dome to be optimized for consistent travel distance independently, rather than relying on a single continuous flexible surface where travel distances vary by location.
3Ease of manufacture
If adhesive layers are used to attach elastic elements, then the components can be assembled, but the manufacturing process requires lengthy baking time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the adhesive layers and baking process from the manufacturing workflow. Metal dome switches are attached to the circuit board using standard electronic component mounting techniques that do not require adhesive bonding or thermal curing, eliminating the lengthy baking step entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent skips the adhesive application and baking process steps by using direct mechanical mounting methods. The metal dome switches can be assembled and fixed to the circuit board in a single step using conventional electronic assembly techniques, rushing through the manufacturing process without the time-consuming intermediate bonding steps.
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 design enhances yield and simplifies manufacturing by ensuring consistent tactile feedback and improved durability, reducing the risk of component detachment and shortening production time, while maintaining effective switch triggering and haptic feedback.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one elastic element is subjected to deformation and extended toward the corresponding perforation
Implementation Method 2
the elastic elements are laser-welded to the bracket and spacers are laser-welded to the touch member
Data Source
AI summary
A touchpad module includes a touch member, a bracket, an elastic element and a spacer. The bracket is located under the touch member. The elastic element is arranged between the touch member and the bracket. The spacer is arranged between the elastic element and the touch member. While the touch member is pressed down, the touch member is moved downwardly to compress the spacer and the elastic element is pushed by the at least one spacer. Consequently, the elastic element is subjected to deformation and extended toward the corresponding perforation. The present invention further provides a computing device with the touchpad module.