Waterproof Key Module for Mobile Terminals

Solution Overview

Problem

Current key modules for waterproof mobile terminals have complex structures and are not compatible with non-waterproof models, leading to moisture inflow issues due to their design.

Innovation Solution

A key module with a simple structure, fabricated from a single material, featuring a key, a waterproof member, and a circuit support, where the key is inserted through holes in the terminal body, and the waterproof member prevents moisture ingress by delivering pressure to a dome terminal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a key module with waterproof function is designed for waterproof model, then moisture protection is improved, but device complexity increases and compatibility with non-waterproof model is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoisture protectionVSAvoidkey module structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The key module is designed with a universal structure that can be applied to both waterproof and non-waterproof mobile terminal models. The waterproof member is selectively installed only when needed, allowing the same key module design to serve dual purposes without requiring separate dedicated designs for different models.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The waterproof member is extracted as a separate, optional component from the key module. This allows the key module to maintain a simple basic structure while enabling waterproof capability to be added independently when required, reducing the inherent complexity of the key module design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If a key module with waterproof function is designed for waterproof model, then moisture protection is improved, but compatibility with non-waterproof model is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoisture protectionVSAvoidmodel compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The key module is designed with a universal structure that can be applied to both waterproof and non-waterproof mobile terminal models. The waterproof member is selectively installed only when needed, allowing the same key module design to serve dual purposes without requiring separate dedicated designs for different models.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If a key module with waterproof function is designed for waterproof model, then moisture protection is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoisture protectionVSAvoidkey module assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The waterproof member is extracted as a separate, optional component from the key module. This allows the key module to maintain a simple basic structure while enabling waterproof capability to be added independently when required, reducing the inherent complexity of the key module design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The key module assembly process is segmented into basic key module assembly (common to all models) and optional waterproof member assembly (only for waterproof models). This segmentation simplifies manufacturing by allowing standardized production of the basic key module that can be universally assembled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of operation

If holes are formed in terminal body for key exposure, then key functionality is improved, but moisture inflow path is created

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekey accessibilityVSAvoidmoisture ingress

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The waterproof member acts as an intermediary component installed at the hole where the key is exposed. It selectively blocks moisture ingress through the hole while maintaining the hole's functionality for key operation, thus mediating between the conflicting requirements of key accessibility and moisture protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 allows for compatibility with both waterproof and non-waterproof mobile terminals, minimizing moisture penetration and simplifying assembly, while maintaining key functionality.

Implementation Method 1

a waterproof member positioned between the key and the circuit support and configured to deliver pressure of the key to the dome terminal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure transmission: Pascal's Law

Data Source

PatentUS10491728B2Key module and mobile terminal having same, and method of assembling key module

Publication Date: 2019.11.26 LG ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

A key module for a mobile terminal, and which includes a key having a neck part and a head key pressed to enter an input to the mobile terminal; a circuit support configured to support a circuit board having a dome terminal to be pressed when the key head is pressed for entering the input to the terminal; and a waterproof member positioned between the key and the circuit support and configured to block a moisture penetration path along a hole in a case member of the mobile terminal into which the key module is inserted.