SLOTTED TOUCH-ON-METAL BUTTON STRUCTURE INTEGRATED INTO EDGE PANEL OF A PORTABLE COMPUTING/COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE

摘要

A device such as a portable computing/communications device is configured with slotted touch-on-metal buttons integrated into an edge panel. A ToM button structure includes a structural fascia integrated into the edge panel, defining a touch-button area including a touch-button length. The structural fascia is slotted, with alternating sections that are respectively relatively-thinner and relatively-thicker. The ToM button can be integrated into curved for flat edge panels. Button-press detection can be based on, for example, either inductive and capacitive deformation sensing. The ToM button structure can be configured for a predetermined button-press deformation based on a defined touch-button length, defined slotting difference between the relatively-thinner sections and the relatively-thicker sections and a defined deformation pressure.

主权项

1. An apparatus including one or more touch-on-metal (ToM) button structures, comprising:
a case including multiple edge panels; at least one ToM button structure integrated into a respective edge panel; the at least one ToM button structure including:
a structural fascia integrated into the edge panel, defining a touch-button area including a touch-button length;the structural fascia is slotted, with alternating sections that are respectively relatively-thinner and relatively-thicker.