Waterproof Button Module With Integrated Resilient Member

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional waterproof buttons are difficult to assemble, prone to leakage due to aging of components, and have a large volume due to the need for a spring, which reduces their performance over time.

Innovation Solution

A waterproof button module featuring a casing, button, resilient member, and waterproof portions that provide an airtight seal without a spring, allowing the button to rebound and maintain a compact design while preventing liquid intrusion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a spring is used to enable button rebound, then the button can return to initial position, but the volume of the button increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the spring and waterproof rubber into a single integrated resilient member. The resilient member includes a pressing portion that contacts the button, a supporting portion that provides rebound force, and a sealing portion that ensures waterproofing. This merging eliminates the need for separate spring and rubber components, reducing overall button volume while maintaining rebound functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The resilient member performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the rebound force through its elastic properties, seals the waterproof interface through its sealing portion, and transmits the pressing force from the button to the internal mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed and simplifies the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple components (waterproof rubber, spring, retaining ring) are coordinated, then waterproof effect is achieved, but assembly becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the waterproof rubber and spring into a single resilient member with integrated sealing and rebound functions. This reduces the number of components from three (waterproof rubber, spring, retaining ring) to one (resilient member), significantly simplifying the assembly process while maintaining the waterproof seal through the resilient member's sealing portion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the retaining ring function from the component list by integrating the retention and sealing functions into the resilient member itself. The resilient member is retained by the button structure and casing without requiring a separate retaining ring, simplifying assembly while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If waterproof rubber is movably configured between button and casing, then waterproof seal is provided, but structural breakage occurs after long-term use

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the waterproof sealing function and rebound function into a single resilient member that is elastically retained by the button structure. This integrated design eliminates the relative movement between separate waterproof rubber and button components, reducing frictional damage and wear while maintaining the waterproof seal through the resilient member's elastic deformation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The resilient member serves itself by using its own elastic properties to provide both the sealing force and the rebound force. The resilient member deformably contacts the button and casing, creating a self-retaining structure that does not require separate retention mechanisms, thereby reducing the number of contact interfaces and potential failure points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 solution effectively reduces the volume of the button, enhances waterproof performance, and extends the lifespan by eliminating frictional damage to components, ensuring reliable operation over time.

Implementation Method 1

The resilient member is located in the first recess. The button and the bottom of the first recess are respectively located on opposite sides of the resilient member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The first waterproof portion surrounds the first through hole and abuts against the resilient member and the first recess in an airtight manner

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSealing:

Data Source

PatentUS10636591B1Waterproof button module

Publication Date: 2020.04.28

AI summary

A waterproof button module includes a casing, a button, a resilient member, and a first waterproof portion. The casing has a first recess and a first through hole located at a bottom of the first recess. The button is located in the first recess and partially passes through the first through hole. The resilient member is located in the first recess. The button and the bottom of the first recess are respectively located on opposite sides of the resilient member. The first waterproof portion surrounds the first through hole and abuts against the resilient member and the first recess in an airtight manner.