Water-Resistant Key Module With Elastomer Interference Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic devices are vulnerable to liquid infiltration through gaps between physical keys and the casing, which can damage internal components, especially in environments where they are exposed to water.
Innovation Solution
A water-resistant electronic device design featuring a casing with an opening and recess, incorporating a key body and an elastomer that envelops a circuit board with an interference fit, preventing liquid entry by embedding the elastomer in the recess.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If physical keys are arranged within openings of a casing, then key functionality is achieved, but liquid infiltration through gaps between keys and casing occurs
Solution Approach 1:
An elastomer component is introduced as an intermediary between the key body and the circuit board. This elastomer includes a key pressing portion that contacts the key body and a switch pressing portion that contacts the switch, thereby mediating the force transmission while providing sealing functionality to prevent liquid infiltration through the opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomer component functions as a flexible sealing element that deforms under key pressure to transmit force to the switch while maintaining a liquid-tight seal. The flexible nature of the elastomer allows it to accommodate the mechanical pressing action while preventing liquid penetration through the gap between the key body and casing.
2Ease of operation
If gaps exist between physical keys and casing for key displacement, then key operation is enabled, but water resistance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomer serves as a mediator that enables key displacement functionality while simultaneously providing water resistance. It transmits the displacement force from the key body to the switch and maintains sealing throughout the motion range.
Solution Approach 2:
The key module combines different materials with complementary properties: the elastomer provides flexibility and sealing, the key body provides structural support and user interface, and the circuit board provides electrical functionality. This composite structure achieves both operational capability and water resistance.
3Reliability
If traditional sealing methods are used, then water resistance is improved, but device thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomer component is designed as a thin flexible sealing element that provides effective water resistance without adding significant thickness. Its flexible nature allows it to achieve sealing in a compact form factor, avoiding the need for thick rigid sealing structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomer is embedded within the opening of the casing, with the key body positioned within the elastomer structure. This nested arrangement integrates the sealing function within the existing structural space, minimizing additional thickness while maintaining water resistance.
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
This design effectively prevents liquid infiltration while allowing key presses to trigger switches, maintaining device functionality and reducing overall thickness.
Implementation Method 1
The elastomer envelops the first circuit board and is embedded with interference fit in the recess
Implementation Method 2
The elastomer envelops the first circuit board and is embedded with interference fit in the recess, wherein the key body is pressed to trigger the switch
Data Source
AI summary
A water-resistant electronic device includes a casing, a key body, a first circuit board and an elastomer. The casing has an opening and a recess communicating with the opening. The key body is disposed in the opening. The first circuit board has a switch. The elastomer envelops the first circuit board and is embedded with interference fit in the recess to achieve a water-resistant effect. The key body is pressed to trigger the switch. Besides, a water-resistant key module is suitable for the water-resistant electronic device and includes the key body, the first circuit board and the elastomer above.