Back to results
US 9,793,070 B2Granted
Dome switch stack and method for making the same
AssigneeApple Inc.
InventorsRichard Hung Minh Dinh, Lee E. Hooton
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Systems and methods for providing input component assemblies for dome switches are provided. In some embodiments, an input component assembly may include a first conductive contact pad coupled to a first board of a switch, a second conductive contact pad coupled to a second board of the switch, and a layer of conductive adhesive between the first conductive pad and the second conductive pad, where the layer is operative to provide a seal for the switch.
Claims15
An input component assembly, comprising:
- a button defining an input surface;
- a first circuit board;
- a first inner conductive contact pad coupled to the first circuit board and defining a first switch element;
- a first outer conductive contact pad coupled to the first circuit board and encircling the first switch element;
- a second circuit board positioned between the button and the first circuit board;
- a second inner conductive contact pad coupled to the second circuit board and defining a second switch element;
- a second outer conductive contact pad coupled to a second board and encircling the second switch element;
- a sheet member, comprising:
- a first end extending from the first circuit board;
- a second end extending from the second circuit board;
- and
- a folded portion connecting the first and second ends;
- and
- a layer of conductive adhesive between the first outer conductive pad and the second outer conductive pad, wherein:
- the layer of conductive adhesive encloses the first and second switch elements;
- and
- the first switch element and the second switch element are configured to contact one another in response to a depression of the button, thereby triggering a switch event.
14 more elements
A method of forming a switch assembly, comprising:
- coupling a first outer conductive contact pad to a first circuit board to encircle a first inner conductive contact pad, the first inner conductive contact pad coupled to the first circuit board and defining a first switch element of the first circuit board;
- coupling a second outer conductive contact pad to a second circuit board to encircle a second inner conductive contact pad, the second inner conductive contact pad coupled to the second circuit board and defining a second switch element of the second circuit board;
- positioning a first end of a sheet member along the first circuit board;
- positioning a second end of the sheet member along the second circuit board;
- applying a layer of conductive adhesive over the first outer conductive contact pad;
- folding the sheet member such that the second circuit board is positioned above the first circuit board and the layer of conductive adhesive contacts the second outer conductive contact pad to enclose the first and second switch elements;
- and
- positioning a button that defines a user input surface over the first and second circuit boards.
5 more elements
An electronic device, comprising:
- a housing comprising an opening therethrough;
- a button positioned in the opening;
- a collapsible dome positioned below the button;
- a circuit board;
- an inner contact pad coupled to the circuit board and defining a switch element;
- a first outer conductive contact pad coupled to the circuit board and encircling the switch element;
- a sheet member having first and second ends, the first end extending from the circuit board and the second end positioned along a bottom surface of the collapsible dome, the sheet member including a folded portion connecting the first and second ends;
- a second outer conductive contact pad coupled to the sheet member at the first end;
- and
- a layer of conductive adhesive between the first outer conductive pad and the second outer conductive pad, wherein:
- the layer of conductive adhesive provides an electrical connection between the first outer conductive pad and the second outer conductive pad;
- and
- the second end of the sheet member and the switch element are configured to contact one another in response to a depression of the button, thereby triggering a switch event.
10 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.