Track Pad Acoustic Features for Thin Portable Computers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Designing internal components for portable computing devices to fit within compact enclosures without compromising functionality, while ensuring structural integrity and acoustic performance.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a track pad design with a cover, touch sensor, and printed circuit board, where the printed circuit board is connected to the touch sensor and coupled to the cover to provide stiffness, and using acoustic transmission members to guide sound within the track pad, along with a method for attaching ground tabs to the printed circuit board for enhanced structural support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the enclosure is designed to be relatively compact, then the device size is reduced, but the internal components must be configured to fit within the compact space which may compromise functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The track pad assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: a cover portion, a support structure with recesses, and a dome switch assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for both compactness and functionality, enabling the overall assembly to fit within reduced device volumes while maintaining full operational capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The dome switch is nested within the support structure recesses, and the support structure is integrated into the track pad assembly. This nesting arrangement allows multiple components to occupy overlapping or adjacent spaces, maximizing space utilization within the compact enclosure while preserving the functional independence of each component
2Strength
If separate stiffeners are added to the cover to support the dome switch, then structural integrity is improved, but device complexity and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is merged with the track pad assembly, eliminating the need for separate stiffener components. The support structure performs multiple functions: providing structural support for the dome switch, defining recesses for component mounting, and integrating with the cover portion. This consolidation reduces part count and assembly complexity while maintaining the necessary structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a structural backbone for the track pad assembly, provides recesses for mounting the dome switch and other components, and works with the cover portion to create the complete track pad assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, simplifying the overall device
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
Enables compact and functional internal components with improved structural integrity and acoustic performance, allowing for reduced thickness and increased durability of the track pad, while maintaining effective signal processing and user input capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The printed circuit board may be connected to the touch sensor and coupled to the cover at an end thereof that is free to pivot. Thereby, the printed circuit board may stiffen the end of the cover.
Implementation Method 2
at least one acoustic transmission member configured to guide acoustic energy within the track pad
Implementation Method 3
a dome switch coupled to the touch sensor and configured to actuate upon pivoting the cover about the first end and contacting the set screw
Implementation Method 4
heating the contact region bonding the printed circuit board to the ground tab
Data Source
AI summary
The present application describes various embodiments of systems and methods for providing internal and external components for portable computing devices having a thin profile. More particularly, the present application describes internal components configured to fit within a relatively thin outer enclosure, wherein the internal components comprise at least one external interface, such as, for example, a track pad interface.