Internal venting dome switch
AssigneeApple Inc.
InventorsJay Osborn, Tomas Ponce
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
To substantially prevent debris from entering the internal volume of a dome switch, the dome switch can be configured to include limited or no external vents. However, to ensure that the air can be displaced and to avoid an excessively high pressure underneath the dome with the dome is inverted, the dome switch can include one or more internal regions for receiving the displaced air. In particular, the dome switch may include one or more integrated reservoirs. For example, the integrated reservoirs can be placed in a layer between a film placed over the dome and a circuit board on which the dome is placed. As another example, the integrated reservoirs can be constructed out of the plane of the circuit board.
Claims21
A dome switch comprising:
- a circuit board comprising at least two contact pads;
- a dome placed over the circuit board and aligned with the at least two contact pads;
- a reservoir adjacent to the dome;
- and
- an outer film disposed over the circuit board, dome and reservoir, such that air trapped between the dome and the circuit board is expelled into the reservoir.
A method for constructing a ventless dome switch, comprising:
- selecting a dome having a particular size;
- determining a minimum volume for receiving air displaced from underneath the dome when the dome is depressed;
- defining a reservoir having at least the minimum determined volume;
- positioning the reservoir adjacent to the dome such that air displaced from underneath the dome is directed to the reservoir;
- and
- applying an impermeable film over the dome and the reservoir to isolate the air within the dome switch and reservoir.
A reservoir for receiving air expelled by a dome switch when the dome is depressed, comprising:
- a via having a first end exposed within the dome volume enclosed between the dome and a circuit board on which the dome is placed;
- and
- an impermeable reservoir body connected to a second end of the via, wherein the reservoir body receives all air expelled from the volume when the dome is depressed.
A dome switch arrangement, comprising:
- a substrate;
- a dome placed over the substrate to define a first internal volume, wherein the dome moves inwardly into the first internal volume when actuated;
- and
- a fluid overflow assembly creating a second internal volume, the second internal volume being in fluid communication with the first internal volume, the second internal volume accepting air from the first internal volume when the dome is moved inwardly into the first internal volume.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.