PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-8552321-B2
Application Number: US-79319310-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Multiple-pole single-throw dome switch assemblies

Abstract:
Multiple-pole single-throw dome switch assemblies for electronic devices and methods for creating the same are provided. For example, a switch assembly may include a deformable dome that may have a conductive inner surface. The switch assembly may also include three conductive pads, at least two of which may be positioned underneath the dome. When the dome is deformed, each one of the three conductive pads may be electrically coupled to the conductive inner surface of the dome. When the dome is not deformed, at least one of the three conductive pads may be electrically isolated from the conductive inner surface of the dome.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A multiple-pole single-throw switch assembly comprising:
 three electrical contacts; and 
 a deformable dome comprising an outer layer and a uniform inner conductive layer configured to: 
 electrically couple each one of the three contacts with the conductive layer only when the dome is deformed; and 
 electrically isolate at least two of the three contacts from the conductive layer when the dome is not deformed. 
 
     
     
       2. The multiple-pole single-throw switch assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the dome is further configured to electrically couple a first one of the three contacts with the conductive layer when the dome is deformed and when the dome is not deformed. 
     
     
       3. The multiple-pole single-throw switch assembly of  claim 2 , wherein the dome is further configured to electrically isolate both a second one of the three contacts and a third one of the three contacts from the conductive layer when the dome is not deformed. 
     
     
       4. The multiple-pole single-throw switch assembly of  claim 3 , wherein the dome is further configured to electrically couple both the second one of the three contacts and the third one of the three contacts to the conductive layer when the dome is deformed. 
     
     
       5. A switch assembly for an electronic device comprising:
 a first conductive pad; 
 a second conductive pad; 
 a third conductive pad; and 
 an actuator comprising an inner conductive dome surface, wherein: 
 the actuator is deformable from an undeformed state to a deformed state; 
 the inner conductive dome surface is electrically coupled to each one of the first, second, and third conductive pads when the actuator is in the deformed state; 
 the inner conductive dome surface is electrically decoupled from at least one of the first, second, and third conductive pads when the actuator is in the undeformed state; 
 a first portion of the inner conductive dome surface comprising a first group of at least two dimples extending away from a first position of the inner conductive dome surface is electrically coupled to the first conductive pad only when the actuator is in the deformed state; 
 a second portion of the inner conductive dome surface comprising a second group of at least two dimples extending away from a second position of the inner conductive dome surface is electrically coupled to the second conductive pad only when the actuator is in the deformed state; 
 the first portion of the inner conductive dome surface defines a first portion of a concavity when the actuator is in the undeformed state; and 
 the second portion of the inner conductive dome surface defines a second portion of the concavity when the actuator is in the undeformed state. 
 
     
     
       6. The switch assembly of  claim 5 , wherein the first and second positions are proximate to the center of the interior surface of the dome. 
     
     
       7. The switch assembly of  claim 5 , wherein the first position and the second position are spaced equally apart from the center of the interior surface of the dome. 
     
     
       8. The switch assembly of  claim 5 , wherein:
 a third portion of the inner conductive surface is electrically coupled to the third conductive pad when the actuator is in the deformed state; and 
 the third portion of the inner conductive surface is provided at a peripheral portion of the dome. 
 
     
     
       9. The switch assembly of  claim 5 , wherein:
 a third portion of the inner conductive surface is electrically coupled to the third conductive pad when the actuator is in the deformed state; and 
 the third portion of the inner conductive surface comprises a conductive tab extending away from the dome. 
 
     
     
       10. The switch assembly of  claim 5 , wherein:
 the electronic device comprises a circuit board; 
 the first, second, and third conductive pads are coupled to the circuit board; and 
 at least a portion of the actuator is coupled to the circuit board. 
 
     
     
       11. The switch assembly of  claim 5 , wherein:
 the electronic device comprises a first electronic component and a second electronic component; 
 the first conductive pad is electrically coupled to the first electronic component; and 
 the second conductive pad is electrically coupled to the second electronic component. 
 
     
     
       12. The switch assembly of  claim 5 , wherein the concavity defines a hollow under which the first conductive pad and the second conductive pad are positioned when the actuator is in the undeformed state. 
     
     
       13. The switch assembly of  claim 5 , wherein:
 the concavity extends between a periphery of the actuator; and 
 at least a portion of the periphery is electrically coupled to the third conductive pad when the actuator is in the undeformed state. 
 
     
     
       14. The switch assembly of  claim 5 , wherein at least a portion of the concavity is inverted when the actuator is in the deformed state. 
     
     
       15. The switch assembly of  claim 5 , wherein:
 a third portion of the inner conductive surface is electrically coupled to the third conductive pad when the actuator is in the deformed state; 
 when the actuator is in the undeformed state, at least one of the first portion and the second portion is in a first plane; 
 when the actuator is in the undeformed state, the third portion is in a second plane; and the first plane is not parallel to the second plane. 
 
     
     
       16. The switch assembly of  claim 5 , wherein:
 a third portion of the inner conductive surface is electrically coupled to the third conductive pad when the actuator is in the deformed state. 
 
     
     
       17. The switch assembly of  claim 16 , wherein the third portion of the inner conductive surface is also electrically coupled to the third conductive pad when the actuator is in the undeformed state. 
     
     
       18. The switch assembly of  claim 16  further comprising at least a fourth contact pad, wherein at least a fourth portion of the inner conductive surface is respectively electrically coupled to the at least a fourth contact pad when the actuator is in the deformed state. 
     
     
       19. Electronic device circuitry comprising: a first multiple-pole single-throw dome switch assembly, comprising:
 a first, second, and third conductive pads; and 
 an actuator deformable from an undeformed state to a deformed state comprising an inner conductive dome surface, wherein: 
 the inner conductive dome surface is electrically coupled to each one of the first, second, and third conductive pads when the actuator is in the deformed state and electrically decoupled from at least one of the first, second, and third conductive pads when the actuator is in the undeformed state; 
 a first portion of the inner conductive dome surface comprising a first group of at least two dimples extending away from a first position of the inner conductive dome surface is electrically coupled to the first conductive pad only when the actuator is in the deformed state; and 
 a second portion of the inner conductive dome surface comprising a second group of at least two dimples extending away from a second position of the inner conductive dome surface is electrically coupled to the second conductive pad only when the actuator is in the deformed state; 
 a second multiple-pole single-throw dome switch assembly; 
 a first electronic component coupled to a first pole of the first multiple-pole single-throw dome switch assembly and to a first pole of the second multiple-pole single-throw dome switch assembly; and 
 a second electronic component coupled to a second pole of the first multiple-pole single-throw dome switch assembly and to a second pole of the second multiple-pole single-throw dome switch assembly. 
 
     
     
       20. The electronic device circuitry of  claim 19 , wherein:
 a first port of the first electronic component is coupled to the first pole of the first multiple-pole single-throw dome switch assembly and to the first pole of the second multiple-pole single-throw dome switch assembly; 
 a first port of the second electronic component is coupled to the second pole of the first multiple-pole single-throw dome switch assembly; and 
 a second port of the second electronic component is coupled to the second pole of the second multiple-pole single-throw dome switch assembly. 
 
     
     
       21. The electronic device circuitry of  claim 20 , wherein:
 the first electronic component is a power providing component; and 
 the second electronic component is a processing component. 
 
     
     
       22. A switch assembly for an electronic device comprising:
 a first conductive pad; 
 a second conductive pad; 
 a third conductive pad; and 
 an actuator comprising an inner conductive dome surface, wherein: 
 the actuator is deformable from an undeformed state to a deformed state; 
 the inner conductive dome surface is electrically coupled to each one of the first, second, and third conductive pads when the actuator is in the deformed state; 
 the inner conductive dome surface is electrically decoupled from at least one of the first, second, and third conductive pads when the actuator is in the undeformed state; 
 a first portion of the inner conductive dome surface is electrically coupled to the first conductive pad only when the actuator is in the deformed state; 
 a second portion of the inner conductive dome surface is electrically coupled to the second conductive pad only when the actuator is in the deformed state; 
 a third portion of the inner conductive dome surface is electrically coupled to the third conductive pad when the actuator is in the deformed state; 
 the first portion of the inner conductive dome surface is provided at a first position along the interior surface of the dome; 
 the second portion of the inner conductive dome surface is provided at a second position along the interior surface of the dome; 
 the first portion comprises a first group of at least two dimples; each one of the dimples of the first group extends away from the interior surface of the dome; 
 at least one of the dimples of the first group electrically contacts the first conductive pad when the actuator is in the deformed state: 
 the second portion comprises a second group of at least two dimples; each one of the dimples of the second .group extends away from the interior surface of the dome; and 
 at least one of the dimples of the second group electrically contacts the second conductive pad when the actuator is in the deformed state. 
 
     
     
       23. A method for manufacturing a dome switch assembly comprising:
 providing a deformable actuator comprising a conductive inner dome surface; 
 positioning a first conductive pad in a first position underneath the inner dome surface that is electrically isolated from the inner dome surface when the actuator is undeformed and that is electrically coupled to at least one of a first group of at least two dimples extending away from a first portion of the inner dome surface when the actuator is deformed; 
 positioning a second conductive pad in a second position underneath the inner dome surface that is electrically isolated from the first conductive pad and the inner dome surface when the actuator is undeformed and that is electrically coupled to at least one of a second group of at least two dimples extending away from a second portion of the inner dome surface when the actuator is deformed; and 
 positioning a third conductive pad in a third position that is electrically coupled to the inner dome surface when the actuator is deformed, wherein: 
 the first portion of the inner dome surface is deformed when the actuator is deformed; 
 the first portion of the inner dome surface is undeformed when the actuator is undeformed; 
 the second portion of the inner dome surface is deformed when the actuator is deformed; and 
 the second portion of the inner dome surface is undeformed when the actuator is undeformed. 
 
     
     
       24. The method of  claim 23 , wherein the positioning the third conductive pad comprises physically coupling the third conductive pad to a peripheral portion of the inner surface.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This can relate to switch assemblies for electronic devices and, more particularly, to multiple-pole single-throw dome switch assemblies for electronic devices. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Many electronic devices (e.g., media players and cellular telephones) often include one or more input switch assemblies for allowing a user to interact with the device. For example, many electronic devices often include one or more dome switch assemblies that may be physically manipulated by a user to control electrical signal connections of the device. A dome switch may often include a depressible dome-shaped actuator with a conductive inner surface operative to close a circuit when the dome is inverted and the inner surface is moved into contact with a conductive pad located underneath the dome, such as a pad coupled to a circuit board or one or more electronic components of the electronic device. The dome may also be electrically coupled to another conductive pad that is electrically isolated from the pad located underneath the depressible portion of the dome such that, when the dome is inverted, the conductive dome may electrically couple the two conductive pads and close a circuit of the electronic device. 
     This single-pole single-throw dome switch arrangement, which allows one pair of contacts of a single circuit to either be closed or open, may work well in some circumstances. However, certain electronic devices may use dome switches to control circuits coupled to two or more components that should be isolated from one another. Therefore, devices equipped with single-pole single-throw dome switches may often need to rely on diodes or other additional circuitry in order to isolate the various components controlled by the dome switches. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Therefore, multiple-pole single-throw dome switch assemblies for electronic devices and methods for creating the same are provided. 
     According to some embodiments, there is provided a switch assembly for an electronic device that may include a first conductive pad, a second conductive pad, a third conductive pad, and an actuator having an inner conductive surface. The actuator may be deformable from an undeformed state to a deformed state. The inner conductive surface may be electrically coupled to each one of the first, second, and third conductive pads when the actuator is in the deformed state, and the inner conductive surface may be electrically decoupled from at least one of the first, second, and third conductive pads when the actuator is in the undeformed state. 
     According to some other embodiments, there is provided a multiple-pole single-throw switch assembly that may include three electrical contacts and a depressible dome having a conductive layer. The dome may be configured to electrically couple each one of the three contacts with the conductive layer when the dome is depressed, and electrically isolate at least one of the three contacts from the conductive layer when the dome is not depressed. 
     According to other embodiments, there is provided electronic device circuitry that may include a first multiple-pole single-throw dome switch assembly, a second multiple-pole single-throw dome switch assembly, a first electronic component, and a second electronic component. The first electronic component may be coupled to a first pole of the first multiple-pole single-throw dome switch assembly and to a first pole of the second-multiple pole single-throw dome switch assembly. The second electronic component may be coupled to a second pole of the first-multiple pole single-throw dome switch assembly and to a second pole of the second-multiple pole single-throw dome switch assembly. In some embodiments, a first port of the first electronic component may be coupled to the first pole of the first multiple-pole single-throw dome switch assembly and to the first pole of the second-multiple pole single-throw dome switch assembly, a first port of the second electronic component may be coupled to the second pole of the first-multiple pole single-throw dome switch assembly, and a second port of the second electronic component may be coupled to the second pole of the second-multiple pole single-throw dome switch assembly. 
     According to other embodiments, there is provided a method for manufacturing a dome switch assembly that may include providing a deformable actuator having a conductive inner surface. The method may also include positioning a first conductive pad in a first position underneath the inner surface that may be electrically isolated from the inner surface when the actuator is undeformed and that may be electrically coupled to the inner surface when the actuator is deformed. The method may also include positioning a second conductive pad in a second position underneath the inner surface that may be electrically isolated from the first conductive pad and the inner surface when the actuator is undeformed and that may be electrically coupled to the inner surface when the actuator is deformed. The method may also include positioning a third conductive pad in a third position that may be electrically coupled to the inner surface when the actuator is deformed. 
     According to yet other embodiments, there is provided a method of manufacturing an actuator for a dome switch that may include constructing a deformable dome with a conductive inner surface and forming at least two conductive dimples. Each of the dimples may extend away from a different portion of the inner surface. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the constructing step and at least a portion of the forming step may be performed simultaneously. 
     Moreover, in some embodiments, at least one of the constructing step and the forming step may include at stamping and/or molding. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and other aspects of the invention, its nature, and various features will become more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer to like parts throughout, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a bottom, front, right perspective view of an electronic device including switch assemblies in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 2A  is a horizontal cross-sectional view of a first switch assembly of  FIG. 1 , in an undeformed state, taken from line IIA-IIA of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 2B  is a bottom view of a portion of the first switch assembly of  FIGS. 1 and 2A , taken from line IIB-IIB of  FIG. 2A , in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 2C  is a top view of a portion of the first switch assembly of  FIGS. 1-2B , taken from line IIC-IIC of  FIG. 2B , in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 2D  is a horizontal cross-sectional view, similar to  FIG. 2A , of the first switch assembly of  FIGS. 1-2C , in a deformed state, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 2E  is a schematic representation of a circuit of the first switch assembly of  FIGS. 1-2D , in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 3A  is a horizontal cross-sectional view of a second switch assembly of  FIG. 1 , in an undeformed state, taken from line IIIA-IIIA of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 3B  is a bottom view of a portion of the second switch assembly of  FIGS. 1 and 3A , taken from line IIIB-IIIB of  FIG. 3A , in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 3C  is a top view of a portion of the second switch assembly of  FIGS. 1 ,  3 A, and  3 B, taken from line IIIC-IIIC of  FIG. 3B , in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 3D  is a horizontal cross-sectional view, similar to  FIG. 3A , of the second switch assembly of FIGS.  1  and  3 A- 3 C, in a deformed state, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 3E  is a schematic representation of a circuit of the second switch assembly of FIGS.  1  and  3 A- 3 D, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 4A  is a horizontal cross-sectional view of a third switch assembly of  FIG. 1 , in an undeformed state, taken from line IVA-IVA of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 4B  is a bottom view of a portion of the third switch assembly of  FIGS. 1 and 4A , taken from line IVB-IVB of  FIG. 4A , in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 4C  is a top view of a portion of the third switch assembly of  FIGS. 1 ,  4 A, and  4 B, taken from line IVC-IVC of  FIG. 4B , in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 4D  is a horizontal cross-sectional view, similar to  FIG. 4A , of the third switch assembly of FIGS.  1  and  4 A- 4 C, in a deformed state, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 4E  is a schematic representation of a circuit of the third switch assembly of FIGS.  1  and  4 A- 4 D, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic representation of a circuitry configuration incorporating switch assemblies in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a flowchart of an illustrative process for manufacturing a switch assembly in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; and 
         FIG. 7  is a flowchart of an illustrative process for manufacturing a dome of a switch assembly in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Multiple-pole single-throw dome switch assemblies for electronic devices and methods for creating the same are provided and described with reference to  FIGS. 1-7 . 
     Multiple-pole single-throw dome switch assemblies for electronic devices and methods for creating the same are provided. For example, a switch assembly may include a deformable dome that may have a conductive inner surface. The switch assembly may also include three conductive pads, at least two of which may be positioned underneath the dome. When the dome is deformed, each one of the three conductive pads may be electrically coupled to the conductive inner surface of the dome. When the dome is not deformed, at least one of the three conductive pads may be electrically isolated from the conductive inner surface of the dome. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an illustrative electronic device  100  that may include one or more switch assemblies configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention. 
     Electronic device  100  can include any suitable electronic device capable of receiving inputs through one or more switch assemblies, such as switch assembly  110 . The term “electronic device” can include, but is not limited to, music players, video players, still image players, game players, other media players, music recorders, video recorders, cameras, other media recorders, radios, medical equipment, domestic appliances, transportation vehicle instruments, musical instruments, calculators, cellular telephones, other wireless communication devices, personal digital assistants, remote controls, pagers, computers (e.g., desktops, laptops, tablets, servers, etc.), monitors, televisions, stereo equipment, set up boxes, set-top boxes, boom boxes, modems, routers, keyboards, mice, speakers, printers, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, electronic device  100  may perform a single function (e.g., a device dedicated to playing music) and, in other embodiments, electronic device  100  may perform multiple functions (e.g., a device that plays music, displays video, stores pictures, and receives and transmits telephone calls). 
     Electronic device  100  may generally be any portable, mobile, hand-held, or miniature electronic device having at least one switch assembly. Miniature electronic devices may have a form factor that is smaller than that of hand-held personal media devices, such as an iPod™ Shuffle available by Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. Illustrative miniature electronic devices can be integrated into various objects that include, but are not limited to, watches, rings, necklaces, belts, accessories for belts, headsets, accessories for shoes, virtual reality devices, other wearable electronics, accessories for sporting equipment, accessories for fitness equipment, key chains, or combinations thereof. Alternatively, electronic device  100  may not be portable at all. 
     Along with at least one switch assembly  110 , electronic device  100  may also include one or more additional electronic components, some of which may be configured to be controlled by signals affected by one or more switch assemblies of device  100 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , device  100  may include one or more input component assemblies  102  that can allow a user to manipulate at least one function of the device, one or more output component assemblies  104  that can provide the user with device generated information, and at least one protective housing  101  that can at least partially enclose switch assembly  110 , input component assembly  102 , and/or output component assembly  104  of device  100 . 
     Component assemblies  102  and  104  can include any type of component assembly operative to receive and/or transmit digital and/or analog data (e.g., audio data, video data, other types of data, or a combination thereof). Input component assembly  102  may include any suitable input mechanism, such as, for example, sliding switches, buttons, keypads, track balls, joysticks, dials, scroll wheels, touch screen displays, electronics for accepting audio and/or visual information, antennas, infrared ports, or combinations thereof. Output component assembly  104  may include any suitable output component forms, such as, for example, audio speakers, headphones, audio line-outs, visual displays, antennas, infrared ports, rumblers, vibrators, or combinations thereof. It should be noted that one or more input component assemblies  102  and one or more output component assemblies  104  may sometimes be referred to collectively herein as an input/output (“I/O”) interface. It should also be noted that an input component assembly  102  and an output component assembly  104  may sometimes be a single I/O component, such as a touch screen that may receive input information through a user&#39;s touch of a display screen and that may also provide visual information to a user via that same display screen. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , for example, housing  101  of device  100  can be hexahedral and may include a bottom wall  103 , a top wall (not shown) opposite bottom wall  103 , a right side wall  105 , a left side wall (not shown) opposite right side wall  105 , a front wall  107 , and a back wall (not shown) opposite front wall  107 . While each of the walls of housing  101  may be substantially flat (see, e.g., front wall  107 ), the contour of one or more of the walls of housing  101  can be at least partially curved, jagged, or any other suitable shape or combination thereof, in order to contour at least a portion of the surface of device  100  to the hand of a user, for example. It should be noted that housing  101  of device  100  is only exemplary and need not be substantially hexahedral. For example, in certain embodiments, the intersects of certain walls may be beveled, and housing  101  itself may generally be formed in any other suitable shape, including, but not limited to, substantially spherical, ellipsoidal, conoidal, octahedral, or a combination thereof. As shown in  FIGS. 1-2D , for example, switch assembly  110  may be provided at an opening  109  through right side wall  105  of electronic device  100 . However, it is to be understood that switch assembly  110  and any other switch assembly of device  100  may be provided at any portion of any wall or walls of housing  101  and not just right side wall  105 . 
     Switch assembly  110  may be a dome switch assembly or any other suitable type of switch assembly having an actuator that may deform to close an otherwise open circuit of device  100  or, alternatively, to open an otherwise closed circuit of device  100 . For example, as shown in  FIGS. 2A-2E , switch assembly  110  may include an actuator  112  having a conductive inner or interior surface  111  and an outer or exterior surface  113  that may extend between an edge or peripheral portion  114 . Actuator  112  may be positioned over and/or adjacent to three or more conductive pads  122  of switch assembly  110 , each of which may be electrically isolated from one another and coupled to one or more electronic components of device  100 . 
     For example, as shown in  FIG. 2A , switch assembly  110  may include at least a first conductive pad  122   a , a second conductive pad  122   b , and a third conductive pad  122   c . In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 2A , each conductive pad  122  may be coupled to a circuit board  120  or one or more other supportive elements of device  100 , which may include leads or other elements (not shown) that can couple each pad  122  to one or more respective electronic components of device  100  (not shown). For example, each pad  122  may be mounted or otherwise coupled to a top surface  121  of circuit board  120 . Alternatively, each conductive pad  122  may be coupled directly to one or more respective electronic components of device  100  and not via circuit board  120 . Each conductive pad  122  may be made of copper or any other suitable material that may conduct electricity when electrically coupled to actuator  112 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2A , actuator  112  may be shaped to have an original or undeformed state that can define a concavity or otherwise suitably shaped hollow  117  under which at least two pads  122  of assembly  110  may be positioned, such that conductive inner surface  111  of undeformed actuator  112  may be physically and/or electrically decoupled from at least those two underlying pads  122 . When a downward force is applied to actuator  112  by a user  1  in the direction of arrow D, as shown in  FIG. 2D , for example, at least a portion of actuator  112  may be depressed or otherwise deformed into a deformed state that can electrically couple conductive inner surface  111  to each pad  122  positioned thereunder. Moreover, at least one other pad  122  of assembly  110  may be positioned with respect to actuator  112  such that each one of the three or more pads  122  of switch assembly  110  may be electrically coupled to inner surface  111  at least when actuator  112  is in its deformed state. 
     Therefore, when in its deformed state, conductive inner surface  111  of actuator  112  can electrically couple conductive pads  122   a ,  122   b , and  122   c  to one another and close a circuit defined by pads  122   a ,  122   b , and  122   c . When the downward force is released by user  1 , at least a portion of actuator  112  may be configured to return to its undeformed state (e.g., may reconform upwardly in the direction of arrow U from its deformed state of  FIG. 2D  to its undeformed state of  FIG. 2A ), such that conductive inner surface  111  of actuator  112  can be electrically decoupled from at least one pad  122 , and such that the circuit defined by pads  122   a ,  122   b , and  122   c  may be opened. That is, conductive inner surface  111  may return to its undeformed state such that at least one of pads  122  may be separated from surface  111 , for example, by an insulating air gap, such that the circuit defined by pads  122   a ,  122   b , and  122   c  may be said to be “open”, and such that no current may flow at typical voltages between surface  111  and at least one of pads  122 . 
     For example, as shown in  FIGS. 2A-2D , at least two conductive pads  122 , such as first conductive pad  122   a  and second conductive pad  122   b , may be positioned underneath hollow  117  defined by actuator  112  in its undeformed state. When actuator  112  is in its undeformed state of  FIG. 2A , at least those two pads  122   a  and  122   b  may be electrically decoupled from conductive inner surface  111 . However, when actuator  112  is depressed or otherwise reconfigured into its deformed state of  FIG. 2D , a first portion  118   a  of inner conductive surface  111  may be electrically coupled to first conductive pad  122   a  and a second portion  118   b  of inner conductive surface  111  may be electrically coupled to second conductive pad  122   b . In some embodiments, third conductive pad  122   c  may be electrically coupled to a third portion  118   c  of conductive inner surface  111  when actuator  112  is in both its undeformed state and its deformed state. Alternatively, third conductive pad  122   c  may be electrically decoupled from third portion  118   c  of conductive inner surface  111  when actuator  112  is in its undeformed state and may be electrically coupled to third portion  118   c  of conductive inner surface  111  when actuator  112  is in its deformed state. Regardless, all three conductive pads  122   a - c  may only be simultaneously electrically coupled to respective portions  118   a - c  of conductive inner surface  111  when actuator  112  is in its deformed state, such that actuator  112  can electrically couple conductive pads  122   a ,  122   b , and  122   c  to one another and close a circuit defined by pads  122   a ,  122   b , and  122   c  that may otherwise be open (e.g., when actuator  112  is in its undeformed state). 
     A schematic representation of the circuit that may be defined by pads  122   a ,  122   b , and  122   c  of switch assembly  110  is shown in  FIG. 2E . Thus, electronic device  100  can be provided with a double-pole single-throw switch assembly  110  that may include a dome or other type of deformable actuator  112  that may be configured to simultaneously open or close the circuit between pads  122   a  and  122   c  and the circuit between pads  122   b  and  122   c.    
     Actuator  112  may be coupled to circuit board  120  or any other suitable portion of electronic device  100  using any suitable approach. In some embodiments, an adhesive sheet (not shown) may be placed over external surface  113  of actuator  112  and coupled to circuit board  120  (e.g., top surface  121  of circuit board  120 ), such that portions of the adhesive sheet may adhere to both actuator  112  and circuit board  120 . This may maintain actuator  112  in a functional alignment with conductive pads  122  of switch assembly  110 . 
     Alternatively or additionally, a portion of actuator  112  may be mounted or otherwise coupled to circuit board  120  or any other portion of device  100  in any suitable manner that can maintain actuator  112  in a functional alignment with conductive pads  122  of switch assembly  110  in both its deformed and undeformed states. For example, in some embodiments, third portion  118   c  of inner surface  111  may be positioned at or proximal to peripheral portion  114  and may be physically coupled to third conductive pad  122   c , such that third pad  122   c  may be electrically coupled to actuator  112  when actuator  112  is in both its deformed state and undeformed state (see, e.g., the left side of  FIGS. 2A and 2D ). 
     Alternatively, in some embodiments, a portion of peripheral portion  114  may be physically coupled to circuit board  120  (see, e.g., the right side of  FIGS. 2A and 2D ). Therefore, in some embodiments, third portion  118   c  of inner surface  111  may or may not be physically coupled to third conductive pad  122   c . In embodiments where third portion  118   c  is not physically coupled to third conductive pad  122   c , actuator  112  may be configured such that third portion  118   c  may be electrically coupled to third conductive pad  122   c  only when a user applies a downward force to deform actuator  112  to its deformed state, and such that third portion  118   c  may not be electrically coupled to third conductive pad  122   c  when actuator  112  is in its undeformed state. For example, third portion  118   c  of inner surface  111  may be held above, to the side of, or in any other suitable orientation with respect to third conductive pad  122   c  such that they are not electrically coupled to one another when actuator  112  is in its undeformed state of  FIG. 2A . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2A-2D , for example, first portion  118   a  of inner surface  111  and second portion  118   b  of inner surface  111  may be provided along the surface of inner surface  111  proximate center  115  of inner surface  111 . First portion  118   a  may be spaced a first distance Da from center  115  and second portion  118   b  may be spaced a second distance Db from center  115 . In some embodiments, distance Da may be equal or substantially equal to distance Db. Moreover, in some embodiments, first portion  118   a  and second portion  118   b  of inner surface  111  may be positioned on opposite sides of center  115 , which may maximize the distance between them, and thus the distance that may separate first conductive pad  122   a  and second conductive pad  122   b . However, it is to be understood that first portion  118   a  and second portion  118   b  of inner surface  111  may be positioned in any orientation with respect to one another and/or center  115  such that they may be electrically coupled with respective conducive pads  122   a  and  122   b  when actuator  112  is deformed. 
     Moreover, as shown in  FIGS. 2A-2D , for example, at least one of first portion  118   a  and second portion  118   b  may include one or more conductive protrusions or dimples  119  extending away from inner surface  111 . For example, as shown, first portion  118   a  may include four dimples  119   a  extending from inner surface  111  and second portion  118   b  may include four dimples  119   b  extending from inner surface  111 . When actuator  112  is in its deformed state, one or more dimples  119   a  may be electrically coupled to first conductive pad  122   a  and one or more dimples  119   b  may be electrically coupled to second conductive pad  122   b.  Dimples  119  may ensure that conductive inner surface  111  can initiate and maintain an electrically coupled relationship with pads  122   a  and  122   b  when actuator  112  is deformed. Alternatively, at least one of first portion  118   a  and second portion  118   b  may not include any dimples  119 . Instead, inner surface  111  may be a generally smooth continuous surface that, when deformed, may initiate and maintain an electrically coupled relationship between first portion  118   a  and first conductive pad  122   a  as well as between second portion  118   b  and second conductive pad  122   b.    
     Moreover, as shown in  FIGS. 2A-2D , for example, actuator  112  may include one or more nubs  116  extending away from outer surface  113 . Nub  116  may be operative to provide an additional element for tactile feedback to a user. Nub  116  may be of any suitable shape including, for example, that of a button or other element that may facilitate receiving the exerted force of a user for deforming actuator  112 . 
     While first portion  118   a  and second portion  118   b  of conductive inner surface  111  may be positioned proximate center  115  of conductive inner surface  111 , third portion  118   c  of conductive inner surface  111  may be positioned proximate periphery  114 . Alternatively, third portion  118   c  may include a conductive tab (not shown) extending from inner conductive surface  111  that may be electrically coupled to a conductive pad  122  that is not positioned directly under or adjacent actuator  112 . 
     Actuator  112  may be constructed from any suitable deformable material such that actuator  112  may be configured to deform in any suitable manner in response to a user&#39;s downward force, including, for example, to buckle or invert, and such that actuator  112  may return to its undeformed state once the user&#39;s downward force has been removed. In some embodiments, the deformation of actuator  112  may provide a tactile “click” that may enhance the user&#39;s interaction with switch assembly  110 . Actuator  112  may be a dome-shaped switch, a snap-acting pressure disc, a snap-acting force disc, a low profile tactile switch, or any other suitable type of switch. Actuator  112  may be an elastically deformable switch. Actuator  112  may be made of any suitable material, including, but not limited to, metal (e.g., stainless steel), plastic, or combinations thereof. 
     At least a portion of inner surface  111  of actuator  112  may include a conductive portion, such that an electrically conductive path may pass therethrough and between at least three conductive pads  122  of assembly  110  when actuator  112  is in its deformed state. In some embodiments, both inner surface  111  and outer surface  113  of actuator  112  may be at least partially made of a conductive material. In such embodiments, nub  116  may be formed of an insulating material such that user  1  may not impart an electrical signal through actuator  112  and onto one or more of conductive pads  122 . 
     Actuator  112  may be manufactured using any suitable approach. In some embodiments, actuator  112  may be stamped or punched from a sheet of material (e.g., sheet metal). Alternatively, actuator  112  may be manufactured using molding, forging, machining, welding, forming, cutting, or any other manufacturing process or any combinations thereof. In some embodiments, one or more dimples  119  and/or one or more nubs  116  of actuator  112  may be formed during one or more of the same manufacturing steps that may be taken to form at least a portion of the main body and concavity of actuator  112 . 
     Peripheral portion  114  may at least partially define the shape of actuator  112 . In some embodiments, actuator  112  may be a spherical dome, such that peripheral portion  114  may be circular, as shown in  FIG. 2B , for example. In such embodiments, the diameter or cross-sectional length P of actuator  112  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 2B ) may be greater than, less than, or equal to the height H of hollow  117  of actuator  112  in its undeformed state (see, e.g.,  FIG. 2A ). In other embodiments, the deformable actuator of a switch assembly may be any other suitable shape, such as a spheroidal dome that may have a non-circular ellipsoidal peripheral portion, a frustum that may have a rectangular or non-ellipsoidal peripheral portion, or any other shape that can deform to close a circuit of device  100  defined by three or more conductive pads. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , electronic device  100  may also include another switch assembly  210 , which may be provided at an opening  209  through right side wall  105  of electronic device  100 . Switch assembly  210  may be a dome switch assembly or any other suitable type of switch assembly having an actuator that may deform to switch a circuit of device  100 , and may be similar to switch assembly  110 . For example, as shown in  FIGS. 3A-3E , switch assembly  210  may include an actuator  212  having a conductive inner or interior surface  211  and an outer or exterior surface  213  that may extend between an edge or peripheral portion  214 . Actuator  212  may be positioned over and/or adjacent to three or more conductive pads  222  of switch assembly  210 , each of which may be electrically isolated from one another and coupled to one or more electronic components of device  100 . 
     For example, as shown in  FIG. 3A , switch assembly  210  may include at least a first conductive pad  222   a , a second conductive pad  222   b , and a third conductive pad  222   c . In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 3A , each conductive pad  222  may be coupled to an element  220  that may provide support, such as a circuit board that may include leads or other elements (not shown) that can couple each pad  222  to one or more respective electronic components of device  100  (not shown). For example, each pad  222  may be mounted or otherwise coupled to a top surface  221  of element  220 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3A , actuator  212  may be shaped to have an original or undeformed state that can define a concavity or otherwise suitably shaped hollow  217  under which at least two pads  222  of assembly  210  may be positioned, such that conductive inner surface  211  of undeformed actuator  212  may be physically and/or electrically decoupled from at least those two pads  222 . When a downward force is applied to actuator  212  by a user  1  in the direction of arrow D, as shown in  FIG. 3D , for example, at least a portion of actuator  212  may be depressed or otherwise deformed into a deformed state that can electrically couple conductive inner surface  211  to each pad  222  positioned thereunder. Moreover, at least one other pad  222  of assembly  210  may be positioned with respect to actuator  212  such that each one of the three or more pads  222  of switch assembly  210  may be electrically coupled to inner surface  211  at least when actuator  212  is in its deformed state. 
     Therefore, like actuator  112  of switch assembly  110 , when in its deformed state, conductive inner surface  211  of actuator  212  can electrically couple conductive pads  222   a ,  222   b , and  222   c  to one another and close a circuit defined by pads  222   a ,  222   b,  and  222   c . When the downward force is released by user  1 , at least a portion of actuator  212  may be configured to return to its undeformed state (e.g., may reconform upwardly in the direction of arrow U from its deformed state of  FIG. 3D  to its undeformed state of  FIG. 3A ), such that conductive inner surface  211  of actuator  212  can be electrically decoupled from at least one pad  222 , and such that the circuit defined by pads  222   a ,  222   b , and  222   c  may be opened. That is, conductive inner surface  211  may return to its undeformed state such that at least one of pads  222  may be separated from surface  211 , for example, by an insulating air gap, such that the circuit defined by pads  222   a ,  222   b , and  222   c  may be said to be “open” and such that no current may flow at typical voltages between surface  211  and at least one of pads  222 . 
     For example, as shown in  FIGS. 3A-3D , at least two conductive pads  222 , such as first conductive pad  222   a  and second conductive pad  222   b , may be positioned underneath hollow  217  defined by actuator  212  in its undeformed state. When actuator  212  is in its undeformed state of  FIG. 3A , at least those two pads  222   a  and  222   b  may be electrically decoupled from conductive inner surface  211 . However, when actuator  212  is depressed or otherwise reconfigured into its deformed state of  FIG. 3D , a first portion  218   a  of inner conductive surface  211  may be electrically coupled to first conductive pad  222   a  and a second portion  218   b  of inner conductive surface  211  may be electrically coupled to second conductive pad  222   b . In some embodiments, third conductive pad  222   c  may be electrically decoupled from third portion  218   c  of conductive inner surface  211  when actuator  212  is in its undeformed state and electrically coupled to third portion  218   c  of conductive inner surface  211  when actuator  212  is in its deformed state. 
     Alternatively, as shown in  FIGS. 3A-3D , third conductive pad  222   c  may be electrically coupled to a third portion  218   c  of conductive inner surface  211  by a conductive tab  218   c ′ that may extend out away from concavity  217  of actuator  212  towards third conductive pad  222   c . Unlike third conductive pad  122   c  of assembly  110 , which may be positioned underneath at least a portion of periphery  114  of actuator  112 , third conductive pad  222   c  of assembly  210  may be positioned adjacent and outside of periphery  214  of actuator  212 . Tab  218   c ′ may be constructed from any suitable material including, for example, the same conductive material as at least a portion of inner conductive surface  211 . In some embodiments, tab  218   c ′ may be constructed as part of the manufacturing process of actuator  212 , similarly to dimples  119  and/or nub  116  of actuator  112 . For example, tab  218   c ′ and the remainder of actuator  212  may be pressed or punched out of the same material simultaneously. Regardless of how third portion  218   c  of actuator  212  may be electrically coupled to third conductive pad  222   c , all three conductive pads  222   a - c  may only be simultaneously electrically coupled to respective portions  218   a - c  of conductive inner surface  211  when actuator  212  is in its deformed state, such that actuator  212  can electrically couple conductive pads  222   a ,  222   b , and  222   c  to one another and close a circuit defined by pads  222   a ,  222   b , and  222   c  that may otherwise be open (e.g., when actuator  212  is in its undeformed state). 
     A schematic representation of the circuit that may be defined by pads  222   a ,  222   b , and  222   c  of switch assembly  210  is shown in  FIG. 3E . Thus, electronic device  100  can be provided with a second double-pole single-throw switch assembly  210  that may include a dome or other type of deformable actuator  212  that may be configured to simultaneously open or close the circuit between pads  222   a  and  222   c  and the circuit between pads  222   b  and  222   c.    
     Like that of assembly  110 , and as shown in  FIGS. 3A-3D , for example, first portion  218   a  of inner surface  211  and second portion  218   b  of inner surface  211  may be provided along the surface of inner surface  211  proximate center  215  of inner surface  211 . Although not shown, at least one of first portion  218   a  of inner surface  211  and second portion  218   b  of inner surface  211  may include one or more conductive dimples, similar to dimples  119 , extending away from inner surface  211 . Moreover, although not shown, actuator  212  may include one or more nubs, similar to nub  116 , extending away from outer surface  213 . 
     Like actuator  112 , actuator  212  may be constructed from any suitable deformable material such that actuator  212  may be configured to deform in any suitable manner in response to a user&#39;s downward force, including, for example, to buckle or invert, and such that actuator  212  may return to its undeformed state once the user&#39;s downward force has been removed. Actuator  212  may be a dome-shaped switch, a snap-acting pressure disc, a snap-acting force disc, a low profile tactile switch, or any other suitable type of switch. Actuator  212  may be an elastically deformable switch. Actuator  212  may be made of any suitable material, including, but not limited to, metal (e.g., stainless steel), plastic, or combinations thereof. Actuator  212  may be manufactured using any suitable approach. In some embodiments, actuator  212  may be stamped or punched from a sheet of material (e.g., sheet metal). Alternatively, actuator  212  may be manufactured using molding, forging, machining, welding, forming, cutting, or any other manufacturing process or any combinations thereof. In some embodiments, one or more tabs (e.g., tab  218   c ′), dimples, and/or nubs of actuator  212  may be formed during one or more of the same manufacturing steps that may be taken to form at least a portion of the main body and concavity of actuator  212 . 
     Peripheral portion  214  may at least partially define the shape of actuator  212 . In some embodiments, actuator  212  may be a spheroidal dome, such that peripheral portion  214  may be an elongated ellipsoid, as shown in  FIG. 3B , for example. In such embodiments, a first cross-sectional length of major axis J of peripheral portion  214  of actuator  212  may be greater than a second cross-sectional length of minor axis N of peripheral portion  214  of actuator  212  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 3B ). In such embodiments where peripheral portion  214  of actuator  212  is non-circular, actuator  212  may be positioned with respect to first conductive pad  222   a  and second conductive pad  222   b  such that first portion  218   a  and second portion  218   b  of inner surface  211  may be adjacent one another substantially along either axis of peripheral portion  214 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 3B , first portion  218   a  and second portion  218   b  of inner surface  211  may be spaced along the surface of inner surface  211  substantially in the same orientation as major axis J. Alternatively, first portion  218   a  and second portion  218   b  of inner surface  211  may be spaced along the surface of inner surface  211  substantially in the same orientation as minor axis N (not shown), or in any other suitable orientation. 
     In yet other embodiments, for example, as shown in FIGS.  1  and  4 A- 4 E, electronic device  100  may be provided with at least a quadruple-pole single-throw switch assembly  310  that may have a deformable actuator  312 . Actuator  312  may be frustum shaped and may have a rectangular or otherwise non-ellipsoidal peripheral portion  314 . As shown, switch assembly  310  may be provided at an opening  309  through right side wall  105  of electronic device  100 . Switch assembly  310  may be a dome switch assembly or any other suitable type of switch assembly having an actuator that may deform to switch a circuit of device  100 , and may be similar to switch assembly  110  and/or switch assembly  210 . For example, as shown in  FIGS. 4A-4E , switch assembly  310  may include an actuator  312  having a conductive inner or interior surface  311  and an outer or exterior surface  313  that may extend between an edge or peripheral portion  314 . Actuator  312  may be positioned over and/or adjacent to five or more conductive pads  322  of switch assembly  310 , each of which may be electrically isolated from one another and coupled to one or more electronic components of device  100 . 
     For example, as shown in  FIGS. 4A-4E , switch assembly  310  may include at least a first conductive pad  322   a , a second conductive pad  322   b , a third conductive pad  322   c , a fourth conductive pad  322   d , and a fifth conductive pad  322   e . In some embodiments, each conductive pad  322  may be coupled to a supportive element  320  of device  100 , such as a circuit board that may include leads or other elements (not shown) that can couple each pad  322  to one or more respective electronic components of device  100  (not shown). For example, each pad  322  may be mounted or otherwise coupled to a top surface  321  of element  320 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 4A , actuator  312  may be shaped to have an original or undeformed state that can define a concavity or otherwise suitably shaped hollow  317  under which four or more pads  322  of assembly  210  may be positioned, such that conductive inner surface  311  of undeformed actuator  312  may be physically and/or electrically decoupled from at least those four pads  322 . When a downward force is applied to actuator  312  by a user  1  in the direction of arrow D, as shown in  FIG. 4D , for example, at least a portion of actuator  312  may be depressed or otherwise deformed into a deformed state that can electrically couple conductive inner surface  311  to each pad  322  positioned thereunder. Moreover, at least one other pad  322  of assembly  310  may be positioned with respect to actuator  312  such that each one of the five or more pads  322  of switch assembly  310  may be electrically coupled to inner surface  311  at least when actuator  312  is in its deformed state. 
     Therefore, when in its deformed state, conductive inner surface  311  of actuator  312  can electrically couple conductive pads  322   a ,  322   b ,  322   c,    322   d , and  322   e  to one another and close a circuit defined by pads  322   a ,  322   b ,  322   c ,  322   d , and  322   e . When the downward force is released by user  1 , at least a portion of actuator  312  may be configured to return to its undeformed state (e.g., may reconform upwardly in the direction of arrow U from its deformed state of  FIG. 4D  to its undeformed state of  FIG. 4A ), such that conductive inner surface  311  of actuator  312  can be electrically decoupled from at least one pad  322 , and such that the circuit defined by pads  322   a ,  322   b ,  322   c,    322   d , and  322   e  may be opened. That is, conductive inner surface  311  may return to its undeformed state such that at least one of pads  322  may be separated from surface  311 , for example, by an insulating air gap, such that the circuit defined by pads  322   a ,  322   b,    322   c ,  322   d , and  322   e  may be said to be “open”, and such that no current may flow at typical voltages between surface  311  and at least one of pads  322 . 
     For example, as shown in  FIGS. 4A-4D , at least four conductive pads  322 , such as first conductive pad  322   a , second conductive pad  322   b , third conductive pad  322   c , and fourth conductive pad  322   d,  may be positioned underneath hollow  317  defined by actuator  312  in its undeformed state. When actuator  312  is in its undeformed state of  FIG. 4A , at least those four pads  322   a - d  may be electrically decoupled from conductive inner surface  311 . However, when actuator  312  is depressed or otherwise reconfigured into its deformed state of  FIG. 4D , a first portion  318   a  of inner conductive surface  311  may be electrically coupled to first conductive pad  322   a , a second portion  318   b  of inner conductive surface  311  may be electrically coupled to second conductive pad  322   b,  a third portion  318   c  of inner conductive surface  311  may be electrically coupled to third conductive pad  322   c , and a fourth portion  318   d  of inner conductive surface  311  may be electrically coupled to fourth conductive pad  322   d . In some embodiments, fifth conductive pad  322   e  may be electrically decoupled from fifth portion  318   e  of conductive inner surface  311  when actuator  312  is in its undeformed state and electrically coupled to fifth portion  318   e  of conductive inner surface  311  when actuator  312  is in its deformed state. 
     Alternatively, as shown in  FIGS. 4A-4D , fifth conductive pad  322   e  may be electrically coupled to fifth portion  318   e  of conductive inner surface  311  by a conductive tab  318   e ′, similarly to tab  218   c ′ of assembly  210 . Regardless of how fifth portion  318   e  of actuator  312  may be electrically coupled to fifth conductive pad  322   e , all five conductive pads  322   a - e  may only be simultaneously electrically coupled to respective portions  318   a - e  of conductive inner surface  311  when actuator  312  is in its deformed state, such that actuator  312  can electrically couple conductive pads  322   a ,  322   b ,  322   c ,  322   d , and  322   e  to one another and close a circuit defined by pads  322   a ,  322   b,    322   c ,  322   d , and  322   e  that may be otherwise open (e.g., when actuator  312  is in its undeformed state). 
     A schematic representation of the circuit that may be defined by pads  322   a ,  322   b ,  322   c ,  322   d,  and  322   e  of switch assembly  310  is shown in  FIG. 4E . Thus, electronic device  100  can be provided with a single-throw switch assembly  310  that may have more than just two poles (e.g., a quadruple-pole single-throw switch assembly) and that may include a dome or other type of deformable actuator  312  that may be configured to simultaneously open or close the circuit between pads  322   a  and  322   e , the circuit between pads  322   b  and  322   e , the circuit between pads  322   c  and  322   e , and the circuit between pads  322   d  and  322   e.    
     As shown in  FIGS. 4A-4D , for example, first portion  318   a  of inner surface  311 , second portion  318   b  of inner surface  311 , third portion  318   c  of inner surface  311 , and fourth portion  318   d  of inner surface  311  may each be provided along the surface of inner surface  311  proximate center  315  of inner surface  311 . Although not shown, at least one of first portion  318   a , second portion  318   b , third portion  318   c,  and fourth portion  318   d  of inner surface  311  may include one or more conductive dimples, similar to dimples  119 , extending away from inner surface  311 . Moreover, although not shown, actuator  312  may include one or more nubs, similar to nub  116 , extending away from outer surface  313 . 
     Like actuator  112  and/or actuator  212 , actuator  312  may be constructed from any suitable deformable material such that actuator  312  may be configured to deform in any suitable manner in response to a user&#39;s downward force, including, for example, to buckle or invert, and such that actuator  312  may return to its undeformed state once the user&#39;s downward force has been removed. Actuator  312  may be a dome-shaped switch, a snap-acting pressure disc, a snap-acting force disc, a low profile tactile switch, or any other suitable type of switch. Actuator  312  may be an elastically deformable switch. Actuator  312  may be made of any suitable material, including, but not limited to, metal (e.g., stainless steel), plastic, or combinations thereof. Actuator  312  may be manufactured using any suitable approach. In some embodiments, actuator  312  may be stamped or punched from a sheet of material (e.g., sheet metal). Alternatively, actuator  312  may be manufactured using molding, forging, machining, welding, forming, cutting, or any other manufacturing process or any combinations thereof. In some embodiments, one or more tabs (e.g., tab  318   e ′), dimples, and/or nubs of actuator  312  may be formed during one or more of the same manufacturing steps that may be taken to form at least a part of the main body and concavity of actuator  312 . 
     Peripheral portion  314  may at least partially define the shape of actuator  312 . In some embodiments, actuator  312  may be a frustum or non-spherical dome, and peripheral portion  314  may be rectangular or otherwise non-ellipsoidal, as shown in  FIGS. 4A-4D , for example. In such embodiments, a first cross-sectional length L of rectangular peripheral portion  314  of actuator  312  may be greater than a second cross-sectional width W of rectangular peripheral portion  314  of actuator  312  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 4B ). First portion  318   a  of inner surface  311 , second portion  318   b  of inner surface  311 , third portion  318   c  of inner surface  311 , and fourth portion  318   d  of inner surface  311  may each be equally spaced from center  315  along inner surface  311 , as shown in  FIG. 4B , for example. Alternatively portions  318   a - d  may be positioned in any suitable way along inner surface  311  such that each portion  318  aligns with its respective conductive pad  322 . 
     As mentioned, certain electronic devices may include a circuitry configuration that may utilize groups of switch assemblies in conjunction with two or more electronic components that may be isolated from one another. Rather than utilizing groups of single-pole single-throw switch assemblies in conjunction with diodes or other additional circuitry in order to isolate the two or more electronic components, a group of multiple-pole single-throw dome switch assemblies, such as assemblies  110 ,  210 , and/or  310  of  FIGS. 1-4E  may be utilized instead. 
     For example, as shown in  FIG. 5 , electronic device  100  may include a circuitry configuration  500  that may incorporate a first electronic component  550  and a second electronic component  560  coupled to a group of multiple-pole single-throw dome switch assemblies (i.e., double-pole single throw dome switch assembly  110  of  FIGS. 2A-2E  and double-pole single throw dome switch assembly  210  of  FIGS. 3A-3E ). In other embodiments three or more switch assemblies may be included in the group of multiple-pole single-throw dome switches assemblies of circuitry configuration  500 . As just one example, first electronic component  550  may be a battery or other type of power providing component and second electronic component  560  may be a micro-controller or other type of processing component. 
     Such that both first electronic component  550  and second electronic component  560  may each be independently coupled to each switch assembly of circuitry configuration  500 , double-pole single-throw dome switch assemblies  110  and  210  may be provided. As shown, a common port  551  of first electronic component  550  may be coupled to both first conductive pad  122   a  of switch assembly  110  and first conductive pad  222   a  of switch assembly  210 . In the embodiments where first electronic component  550  may be a battery, power may be able to be provided by common port  551  to each one of switch assemblies  110  and  210 , and/or one of switch assemblies  110  and  210  may be closed to provide a control signal to common port  551  (e.g., for instructing first electronic component  550  to power up). Moreover, as shown, individual ports  561  and  562  of second electronic component  560  may be respectively coupled to second conductive pad  122   b  of switch assembly  110  and second conductive pad  222   b  of switch assembly  210 . In the embodiments where second electronic component  560  may be a micro-controller, switching events of each switch assembly may be able to be detected by respective ports  561  and  562  of component  560  (e.g., for detecting when a particular switch assembly has been opened or closed). 
     Therefore, rather than including two or more single-pole single-throw dome switch assemblies, whereby a single conductive pad of a switch assembly might be coupled to both port  551  of first component  550  and port  561  of second component  560 , which might thereby require diodes or other additional circuitry in order to isolate the two electronic components from one another, circuitry configuration  500  may incorporate two or more multiple-pole single-throw dome switch assemblies, whereby a first conductive pad of each switch assembly may be coupled to port  551  of first component  550  and whereby a second conductive pad of each switch assembly may be coupled to its own individual port  561 / 562  of second component  560 . Such a configuration may allow each electronic component to be independently coupled to each switch assembly without requiring diodes or other circuitry to help isolate signals between a switching assembly and only one of the two electronic components. 
       FIG. 6  is a flowchart of an illustrative process  600  for manufacturing a dome switch assembly. Process  600  can begin at step  602 . At step  604 , a deformable actuator having a conductive inner surface may be provided. The deformable actuator may be similar to any one or more of actuators  112 ,  212 , and/or  312 . For example, a sheet of conductive material can be stamped to form a dome-shaped actuator. As another example, a conductive coating can be applied to an isolating material that may be formed as a dome-shaped actuator (e.g., using a molding process). At step  606 , a first conductive pad may be positioned in a first position underneath the inner surface. The first position may be electrically isolated from the inner surface when the actuator is undeformed and electrically coupled to the inner surface when the actuator is deformed. At step  608 , a second conductive pad may be positioned in a second position underneath the inner surface. The second position may be electrically isolated from the first conductive pad and the inner surface when the actuator is undeformed and electrically coupled to the inner surface when the actuator is deformed. At step  610 , a third conductive pad may be positioned in a third position that may be electrically coupled to the inner surface when the actuator is deformed. In some embodiments, step  610  may include physically coupling the third conductive pad to a peripheral portion of the inner surface. Moreover, in some embodiments, one or more of the conductive pads may be positioned on a surface of an electronic device fixture, such as a circuit board. 
     It is understood that the steps shown in process  600  of  FIG. 6  are merely illustrative and that existing steps may be modified or omitted, additional steps may be added, and the order of certain steps may be altered. 
       FIG. 7  is a flowchart of an illustrative process  700  for manufacturing an actuator for a dome switch. Process  700  can begin at step  702 . At step  704 , a deformable dome with a conductive inner surface may be constructed. At step  706 , at least two dimples, each of which may extend from a different portion of the inner surface, may be formed. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the constructing of step  704  and at least a portion of the forming of step  706  may be performed simultaneously. Moreover, in some embodiments, at least one of the constructing of step  704  and the forming of step  706  may include stamping and/or molding. 
     For example, a sheet of conductive material can be stamped to construct a dome. As another example, a conductive coating can be applied to an isolating material that may be formed as a dome (e.g., using a molding process). The dimples may be formed in any suitable pattern. For example, multiple groups of dimples can be positioned at various distances away from the center of the dome. The dimples can be formed at the same time as the main dome structure (e.g., concurrently with step  704 ). The dimples may be created during a stamping process or a molding process that may also be used to create at least a portion of the main dome structure. At least a first one of the dimples may be configured to electrically couple with a first contact of an electrical circuit when the dome is deformed, while at least a second one of the dimples may be configured to electrically couple with a second contact of an electrical circuit when the dome is deformed. 
     It is understood that the steps shown in process  700  of  FIG. 7  are merely illustrative and that existing steps may be modified or omitted, additional steps may be added, and the order of certain steps may be altered. 
     While there have been described multiple-pole single-throw dome switch assemblies for electronic devices and methods for creating the same, it is to be understood that many changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is also to be understood that various directional and orientational terms such as “up” and “down,” “front” and “back,” “left” and “right,” “top” and “bottom,” “above” and “under,” and the like are used herein only for convenience, and that no fixed or absolute directional or orientational limitations are intended by the use of these words. For example, the switch assemblies of the invention can have any desired orientation. If reoriented, different directional or orientational terms may need to be used in their description, but that will not alter their fundamental nature as within the scope and spirit of the invention. 
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention can be practiced by other than the described embodiments, which are presented for purposes of illustration rather than of limitation.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20100603
Publication Date: 20131008
Grant Date: 20131008
Priority Date: 20100603
Inventors: LOW WING KONG
LA THAI QUOC
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H01H13/80", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/14", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2215/006", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2215/006", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/80", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49105", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2215/02", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2203/054", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2217/024", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2215/02", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2203/038", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2217/024", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2203/038", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2203/054", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2205/002", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2205/002", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 45063628