Waterproof Electronic Apparatus Key Sheet Width Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional waterproof mobile phones have operation keys that are too small due to a wide offset of the fixing portion and waterproof packing, leading to poor operability.
Innovation Solution
A waterproof electronic apparatus design where the waterproof packing is arranged along a loop-like path between the key sheet and the housing, allowing the key sheet to be fixed closer to the side face, increasing the width of the operation key area by overlapping the circumferential portion and side portions in the width direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the waterproof packing and fixing portion are arranged with a large offset distance, then the waterproofness is secured, but the width of the operation key area becomes narrow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the waterproof packing from a lateral arrangement (in the width direction) to a depth-direction arrangement (in the direction perpendicular to the front face). This dimensional shift allows the waterproof packing to be placed closer to the side face without compromising waterproofness, thereby increasing the operation key area width from 36.8 mm to 38.9 mm
2Reliability
If the fixing portion is positioned far from the side face, then the waterproof packing can be properly arranged, but the operation key size becomes small
Solution Approach 1:
The invention moves the waterproof packing arrangement to the depth direction (perpendicular to the front face) rather than keeping it in the width direction. This allows the fixing portion to be positioned closer to the side face, enabling larger operation keys with better operability while maintaining reliable waterproof sealing through the depth-direction placement of the waterproof packing
Data Source
AI summary
A waterproof type electronic apparatus of the present invention includes a key sheet at which a plurality of operation keys are formed, a front panel having its front face fixedly bonded to the circumferential portion of the key sheet, and a pushing element sheet interposed between the front panel and the switch sheet. The front panel is provided with a plurality of openings corresponding to ones of the operation keys. At the pushing element sheet, a plurality of pushing elements is formed. A waterproof packing extends passing through the position at which it overlaps with the opposite side portions of the circumferential portion of the key sheet.