Control Key Assembly with Weighted Arc Member for Tactile Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional control key assemblies for handheld electronic devices lack effective feedback mechanisms, particularly in returning to a stable state after button press, leading to suboptimal user experience.
Innovation Solution
A control key assembly featuring a button cover and a weight member with an arc surface, where the weight of the weight member is greater than the button cover, allowing the assembly to return to balance and provide feedback through the principle of stability, with the weight member contacting a circuit board and dome switches for directional input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional button structure is used, then the device structure remains simple, but the feedback after pressing is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The button assembly is segmented into multiple functional components: button cover, weight member, and assembling structure. This segmentation allows each component to serve a specific function - the button cover provides the pressing interface, the weight member provides the restoring force, and the assembling structure connects them. By dividing the system into specialized parts, the feedback quality is improved without creating an overly complex integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The weight member acts as an intermediary between the button cover and the internal mechanism. It translates the pressing action into a tactile feedback experience by utilizing gravitational force. The weight member's gravitational pull provides the restoring force that returns the button to its original position, creating a natural mechanical feedback loop without requiring complex spring mechanisms or electronic feedback systems.
2Reliability
If sheet metal shrapnel and rubber button are used to generate feedback, then the feedback mechanism is simple, but the feedback quality is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of feedback generation from material-based (rubber elasticity, metal shrapnel movement) to gravity-based (weight member gravitational force). This parameter change simplifies the manufacturing process because it eliminates the need for precision-engineered rubber compounds or metal shrapnel assemblies. Instead, a single weight member with appropriate mass can be manufactured using standard casting or machining processes, significantly easing manufacturing while improving feedback consistency.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the weight member weight is greater than the button cover weight, then the button automatically returns to steady state, but the button cover requires more force to press
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes dynamic balance principles where the weight member's position changes during pressing. When the button is pressed, the weight member shifts position, and gravity provides the restoring force. The design optimizes the weight distribution and geometric parameters so that while the weight member is heavy enough to provide strong restoring force, the pressing action itself requires only moderate force to overcome this gravity-based resistance temporarily. The dynamic nature of the system allows for smooth operation despite the weight difference.
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 assembly provides enhanced feedback and stability by automatically returning to its original state after press, improving user interaction and directional control in electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
the weight of the weight member is greater than the weight of the button cover, after the user stops applying the force on the button cover, the weight member, which deviates from balance, is driven to return to an original steady state based on the principle of stable. Therefore, the button cover automatically returns to the steady state for balance
Data Source
AI summary
A control key assembly including a button cover and a weight member is provided. The button cover has a first top surface, a bottom surface and a first assembling structure, wherein the first assembling structure is located on the bottom surface. The weight member has an arc surface and a second assembling structure, the arc surface and the second assembling structure are located on opposite sides of the weight member, wherein the second assembling structure is assembled with the first assembling structure, and the weight of the weight member is greater than the weight of the button cover.