Impact absorbing system for a flat switch panel

Abstract

An impact absorbing system for a flat switch panel has an impact spacer. The impact spacer, a rigid layer that is fixed to an energy-absorbing layer, attaches to the top surface of a flat switch panel just under the overlay. During a condition of switch abuse, the impact absorbing system disperses the energy from a high impact actuation force over a large area of the rigid layer, which in turn causes a large volume of energy-absorbing layer material to be deformed, directing the otherwise damaging impact away from a raised part of the switch that normally accepts a user provided actuation force. Preferably there is an embossed area in the rigid layer and a pip on the raised part of the switch, both improving the function and tactile feedback of the switch. The most preferred embodiment includes a polycarbonate backer on the bottom of the flat switch panel to additionally protect switch components from being damaged by a high impact actuation force.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.