Waterproof Button Structure With Engaging Elastic Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
The waterproof structure of buttons in electronic devices, such as smartphones and tablets, tends to detach easily due to repeated pressing, leading to poor waterproof performance.
Innovation Solution
A button structure with an elastic body featuring engaging portions that securely attach to the housing, enhancing the interference connection and preventing moisture ingress through gaps, thereby improving waterproof integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a waterproof structure is added to the button, then waterproof performance is improved, but the structure becomes more complex and the waterproof structure easily detaches due to repeated pressing
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic body is sleeved on the pillar portion, forming a nested structure where the waterproof structure is integrated within the button assembly. This nesting approach maintains waterproof performance while avoiding the need for separate, complex waterproof components that could detach.
Solution Approach 2:
The button structure is divided into distinct functional segments: the keycap for user interaction, the pillar portion for structural support and transmission, and the elastic body for waterproofing and resetting. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function effectively while simplifying the overall design and reducing detachment risks.
2Device complexity
If the waterproof structure is simplified, then device complexity is reduced, but the waterproof structure detaches easily from repeated pressing
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic body provides dynamic adaptability to the waterproof structure. It can deform elastically during button pressing operations and automatically return to its original position, maintaining continuous contact and sealing with the housing. This dynamic characteristic ensures reliable waterproofing without requiring complex mechanical locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The button structure combines different material properties: the rigid pillar portion for structural integrity and the elastic body for flexible waterproof sealing. This composite approach integrates materials with complementary characteristics to achieve both simplicity and reliable waterproof performance.
3Reliability
If the elastic body is tightly fitted on the pillar portion, then waterproof performance is improved, but the elastic body may detach from the housing
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic body functions as a flexible sealing element that conforms to the housing interior surface. Its flexibility allows it to maintain a tight seal for waterproofing while the engagement structure prevents detachment by anchoring the elastic body at appropriate positions along its length.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement structure acts as an intermediary between the elastic body and the housing, providing a mechanical connection that prevents detachment. This intermediary element allows the elastic body to remain tightly fitted for waterproofing while being securely positioned on the housing.
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 stabilizes the elastic body on the housing, ensuring effective waterproofing by preventing moisture penetration, even with repeated use.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic body... sleeved on the pillar portion
Data Source
AI summary
A button structure and an electronic device are provided. The electronic device includes a housing and a button structure disposed at the housing. The button structure includes a button body and an elastic body. The button body includes a keycap and a pillar portion. The keycap is connected to one end of the pillar portion. The elastic body is sleeved on the pillar portion, and one end of the elastic body includes a first engaging portion. The first engaging portion is capable of being engaged with a part of the housing.