PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9786449-B2
Application Number: US-201313788167-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Dome switch stack and method for making the same

Abstract:
Systems and methods for providing input component assemblies for dome switches are provided. In some embodiments, an input component assembly may include a contact area coupled to a circuit board for a switch, a conductive covering for enclosing the circuit board, and a dome positioned over the conductive covering, where the dome is operative to close at least one circuit of the switch when the dome is depressed towards the conductive covering.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An input component assembly comprising:
 a support layer; 
 a conductive covering having an exterior surface attached along the support layer and defining an enclosed volume; 
 a circuit board positioned within the enclosed volume and attached along an interior surface of the conductive covering that is opposite to the exterior surface, the circuit board including a contact area; and 
 a dome positioned above the conductive covering, wherein: 
 the dome is operative to displace the conductive covering toward the circuit board and cause the conductive covering to contact the contact area. 
 
     
     
       2. The input component assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the conductive covering is made from conductive silicon. 
     
     
       3. The input component assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the conductive covering is water resistant. 
     
     
       4. The input component assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the contact area is a conductive copper pad. 
     
     
       5. The input component assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a secondary contact area positioned between an inner surface of the conductive covering and a circuit board, wherein the contact area is positioned above the circuit board and the secondary contact area is positioned below the circuit board. 
 
     
     
       6. The input component assembly of  claim 5 , wherein the circuit board is a flexible printed circuit board. 
     
     
       7. The input component assembly of  claim 1 , the conductive covering is a conductor of a capacitor, and the input component assembly further comprising:
 a terminal positioned opposite the conductive covering and operative to serve as another conductor of the capacitor; and 
 a controller operative to measure a change in capacitance of the capacitor and close at least one circuit in response to a measured change. 
 
     
     
       8. A method for forming a switch assembly comprising:
 encircling a circuit board including a contact area within a conductive covering such that the circuit board is enclosed within an enclosed volume defined by the conductive covering, wherein the encircling comprises attaching the circuit board along an interior surface of the conductive covering; 
 attaching an exterior surface of the conductive covering along a support layer; and 
 fitting an actuator above the conductive covering, wherein: 
 depression of the actuator causes a portion of the conductive covering to contact the contact area, thereby triggering a switch event. 
 
     
     
       9. The method of forming a switch assembly of  claim 8 , further comprising:
 a controller electrically coupled to the contact area, and wherein the controller is operative to measure a change in a capacitance value and close at least one circuit in response to a measured change. 
 
     
     
       10. An electronic device comprising:
 a housing comprising an opening therethrough; 
 a button positioned in the opening; 
 a dome positioned below the button; 
 a conductive covering positioned below the dome and defining an enclosed volume; and 
 a circuit board positioned within the enclosed volume and attached along an interior surface of the conductive covering, the circuit board including a contact area, wherein 
 the dome is operative to displace the conductive covering and cause the conductive covering to contact the contact area. 
 
     
     
       11. The electronic device of  claim 10 , wherein the conductive covering is made from conductive silicon. 
     
     
       12. The electronic device of  claim 10 , wherein the conductive covering is water resistant. 
     
     
       13. The electronic device of  claim 10 , wherein the contact area is a conductive copper pad. 
     
     
       14. The electronic device of  claim 10 , further comprising:
 a secondary contact area positioned between an inner surface of the conductive covering and the circuit board, wherein the contact area is positioned above the circuit board and the secondary contact area is positioned below the circuit board. 
 
     
     
       15. The electronic device of  claim 14 , wherein the circuit board is a flexible printed circuit board. 
     
     
       16. The electronic device of  claim 10 , wherein the conductive covering is a conductor of a capacitor, and the electronic device further comprising:
 a terminal positioned opposite the conductive covering and operative to serve as another conductor of the capacitor; and 
 a controller operative to measure a change in capacitance of the capacitor and close at least one circuit in response to the measured change.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This can relate to systems and methods for providing input component assemblies in electronic devices and, more particularly, to systems and methods for providing input component assemblies with dome switches in electronic devices. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Dome switches may be used in various electronic devices (e.g., portable media players and cellular telephones). A dome switch generally has a dome with a conductive inner surface operative to close a circuit when the dome is deformed and/or pressed. Upon depression of the dome or deformation of the dome, the conductive inner surface is brought in contact with a conductive pad positioned under the dome. The conductive pad may be provided on a circuit board of an electronic device, and when the conductive inner surface is brought in contact with the conductive pad to form a connection, the circuit of the switch can provide electrical signals to other components of the electronic device. 
     Electronic devices with dome switches invariably come in to contact with liquids, oils, and other elements that can corrode the switch. Dome switches may become corroded when liquids and oils seep in to crevices around switch during use and/or when exposed to oils and/or liquids during assembly of the dome switch. If the switch becomes corroded, then forming a connection is made more difficult, if not, impossible. Thus, there is a need to provide a dome switch resistant to liquid and other corrosive elements. 
     SUMMARY 
     Systems and methods for providing input component assemblies for dome switches are provided. In some embodiments, an input component assembly may include a contact area coupled to a circuit board for a switch, a conductive covering for enclosing the circuit board, and a dome positioned over the conductive covering, where the dome is operative to close at least one circuit of the switch when the dome is depressed towards the conductive covering. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and other aspects and advantages of the invention will become more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer to like parts throughout, and in which: 
         FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of an exemplary electronic device in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 1B  is a top perspective view of a portion of the electronic device of  FIG. 1A , taken from line IB-IB of  FIG. 1A , in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 2A  is a cross sectional view of switch assembly  110  with sonic weld joints (denoted as  210 ) taken across line II-II of  FIG. 1A  in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 2B  is a cross sectional view of switch assembly  110  with sonic weld joints (denoted as  210 ) taken across line II-II of  FIG. 1A  in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 3A  is a cross sectional view of an alternative embodiment of switch assembly  110 , similar to  FIG. 2A , with sonic weld joints (denoted as  205 ) taken across line II-II of  FIG. 1A  in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 3B  is a cross sectional view of switch assembly  110 , similar to  FIG. 2B , with sonic weld joints (denoted as  205 ) taken across line II-II of  FIG. 1A  in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a bottom perspective view of elements of switch assembly  110  with sonic weld joints (denoted as  210 ) in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a bottom perspective view of switch assembly with sonic weld joints (denoted as  210 ) in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a bottom cross sectional view of switch assembly  110  with sonic weld joints (denoted as  210 ) taken across line VI-VI of  FIG. 1A  in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a flowchart illustrating a method in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a cross sectional view of switch assembly  110  using conductive covering (denoted as  310 ) taken across line II-II of  FIG. 1A  in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a cross sectional view of switch assembly  110  using conductive covering (denoted as  310 ) taken across line II-II of  FIG. 1A  in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a cross sectional view of switch assembly  110  using conductive covering (denoted as  310 ) taken across line VI-VI of  FIG. 1A  in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 11  is a cross sectional view of switch assembly  110  using conductive covering (denoted as  310 ) taken across line VI-VI of  FIG. 1A  in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 12  is a bottom perspective view of switch assembly with conductive covering (denoted as  310 ) in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 13  is a flowchart illustrating a method in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 14  is a cross sectional view of switch assembly using conductive adhesive (denoted as  410 ) taken across line II-II of  FIG. 1A  in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 15  is a cross sectional view of switch assembly using conductive adhesive (denoted as  410 ) taken across line II-II of  FIG. 1A  in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 16  is a bottom perspective view of an assembly process for a switch assembly using conductive adhesive; 
         FIG. 17  is a cross sectional view of switch assembly using conductive adhesive (denoted as  510 ) taken across line II-II of  FIG. 1A  in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 18  is a cross sectional view of switch assembly using conductive adhesive (denoted as  510 ) taken across line II-II of  FIG. 1A  in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 19  is a bottom perspective view of an assembly process for a switch assembly using conductive adhesive; 
         FIG. 20  is a bottom perspective view of switch assembly with conductive adhesive (denoted as  410 ) in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 21  is a bottom perspective view of switch assembly with conductive adhesive (denoted as  410 ) in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; and 
         FIG. 22  is a flowchart illustrating a method in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     An input component assembly that is resistant to liquids, oils, and corrosive elements (e.g., gases) and methods for making the same are disclosed. Conductive adhesive, sonic weld joints, and/or conductive enclosures for input component elements (e.g., switch elements) may serve to protect input component elements from liquids, oils, and/or other corrosive elements in embodiments of the invention. In one or more embodiments, a water resistant and/or hermetic seal may be formed around switch elements to serve as protection for the switch. 
       FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of an exemplary electronic device in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Electronic device  100  can be any suitable device capable of receiving inputs through one or more input component assemblies, such as switch assembly  110 . The term electronic device can include, but is not limited to, media players, video players, still image players, game players, music recorders, voice recorders, cameras, radios, medical equipment, domestic appliances, vehicle instruments, musical instruments, calculators, cellphones, wireless communication devices, personal digital assistants, programmable remotes, pagers, laptops, computers, printers, and/or any combination thereof. Electronic device  100  may have a single function or multiple functions. 
     In one or more embodiments, electronic device  100  may be any portable, mobile, hand-held, or miniature mobile electronic device. Miniature devices may have a form factor that is smaller than a hand held device, such as an iPod™ Shuffle available by Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. Illustrative miniature devices may be incorporated into various objects that include, but are not limited to, the following: watches, rings, necklaces, belts, headsets, shoe accessories, virtual reality devices, other wearable electronics, sports or fitness equipment accessories, key chains, or any combination thereof. Alternatively, electronic device  100  may not be portable at all. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1A , electronic device  100  can be hexahedral. Although, it should be noted that housing  101  is only exemplary and need not be substantially hexahedral. Housing  101  can be formed in any other shape, including, but not limited to, the following: spherical, ellipsoidal, conodial, octahedral, or any combination thereof, for example. 
     Electronic device  100  can include one or more additional components, some of which may be configured to be controlled by one or more input component assemblies of device  100 . For example, electronic device  100  may include a switch assembly  110  that can allow a user to manipulate at least one function of electronic device  100 , one or more output component  104  assemblies that can provide the user with device generated information, and at least one protective housing  101  that can at least partially enclose a particular input component of switch assembly  110 , and output component  104 . Switch assembly  110  may be a dome switch assembly or any other type of switch assembly having an actuator that may be depressed or deformed to close an otherwise open circuit of device  100 , or to open an otherwise closed circuit. Switch assembly  110  may be made from any suitable material, including, but not limited to, metal, plastic, glass, or any combination thereof. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1A , switch assembly  110  may include a button  106  that may be positioned within or at least partially exposed through an opening  105  of housing  101 . Button  106  is circular and fits within circular opening  105 . Although depicted as circular, those with skill in the art will recognize that both button  106  and opening  105  can have a variety of shapes, such as square, rectangular, or any other shape. A top surface  107  of button  106  can have an icon  108  to indicate the location of button  106  and/or to represent functionality provided by button  106 . For example, button  106  may be made from the same material and have the same color as housing  101  and icon  108  may allow a user to locate button  106  on device  100  and differentiate button  106  from housing  101 . 
     Icon  108  can be any type of symbol, letter, numeral, text, shape, and/or any other representation or combination thereof. Icon  108  may be a representation of a functionality offered by device  100  and the functionality can be provided (e.g., instructions can be executed to provide functionality) when the user interacts with button  106 . Button  106  may be positioned within device  100  to ensure that icon  108  is properly aligned relative to the other components of device  100 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , when icon  108  is properly aligned, each of the four sides for icon  108  may appear to run parallel to corresponding sides of device  100 , and the curved edges of icon  108  may appear to be aligned with curved edges of device  100 . In another example, icon  108  may be text and proper alignment of button  106  within device  100  may give the appearance that the text of icon  108  is written on an imaginary line running parallel to a bottom side  103  of device  100 . 
     Continuing with  FIG. 1A , a force or pressure may be exerted by a user or an object in the direction of arrow A on top surface  107  of button  106  (e.g., in a direction perpendicular to a surface of housing  101  about button  106 ), and in some embodiments, this pressure exertion may depress or deform an actuator of a switch that may be positioned below button  106  within housing  101  to actuate the switch. The switch may be positioned under the physical input element of switch assembly  110  (e.g., button  106 ) such that, when button  106  is depressed due to the user input force in the direction of arrow A, the switch may close an electrical circuit. By way of example, a switch can include a dome that may be positioned over a contact pad such that, when the dome is deformed with the application of force in the direction of arrow A via button  106 , the dome may come into physical contact with the contact pad and may close a circuit. The dome may provide a tactile resistance that the user must overcome to at least partially invert the dome. In other embodiments, a dome may not be used underneath the button. For example, button  106  may be positioned over a flexible circuit board that may be compressed and brought in to contact with a contact pad below to complete the circuit. 
     A switch may be actuated when a change of state is detected and/or measured either in addition to or instead of being actuated with direct contact as described above. A capacitor may be defined between switch elements and/or switch elements and a finger of a user. A sensing mechanism may be placed below the button  106  to detect the change in state (e.g., change in capacitance). For example, a capacitor may be defined between a dome and a terminal in a circuit board, between opposing terminals, between a finger and a terminal, between a terminal and a contact area, and/or between any other elements of a switch. Detection circuitry or a controller coupled to the switch can measure a change in capacitance between the conductors due to the change in distance between the conductors, and can interpret the change in capacitance as a user presses the button  106  of the dome switch. After interpreting the change in state (e.g., capacitance), the controller can cause a circuit to close. In some embodiments, capacitive sensing circuitry or a controller can be coupled with or incorporated in switch to detect an input when a user applies a force to the dome. 
     Button  106  may be depressed, touched, and/or a user or an object may be moved into close proximity to the button  106  (e.g., a finger or a stylus moved close to the button) allowing for detection of a change in a particular state (e.g., change in capacitance, change in electrical current, change in light sensed, sound waves, etc.), and the change in state (e.g., increase in capacitance, light sensed, etc.) may be detected and trigger completing a circuit. By way of example, a user&#39;s finger placed over the button  106  may serve as a conductor of a capacitor that may trigger completing a circuit. In another example, movement of a contact area toward an opposing terminal (e.g., a terminal positioned on a circuit boards beneath a conductive pad) closer together may cause a change in capacitance that can be detected and trigger closing a circuit. Reducing the distance between the contact area and an opposing terminal may cause a change in capacitance that can be detected and trigger opening a circuit. 
       FIG. 1B  is a top perspective view of a portion of the electronic device of  FIG. 1A , taken from line IB-IB of  FIG. 1A , in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Button  106  of switch assembly  110  may sit within opening  105  in housing  101  of device  100 . Icon  108  may be aligned within opening  105  such that the bottom of icon  108  may run parallel to bottom side  103  of device  100 . 
     A user can activate switch of switch assembly  110  by exerting force on top surface  107  of button  106  in the direction of A. For example, force applied to top surface  107  may depress or deform actuator of switch assembly  110  from an original, undepressed position to an actuated, depressed position to change a functional state of device  100 , such as to turn device  100  off or on. Continuing with the example, actuator may be dome shaped, conical shaped, and/or have any other shape that can be deformed to move contact areas closer together and return to an original position. When a user terminates the force applied at top surface  107 , actuator of switch assembly  110  may return to its original position. 
     In another example, a user may touch and/or come into close proximity to top surface  107  of button  106  of switch assembly  110 , and a change of state that is being monitored (e.g., capacitance) may be detected. In particular, a finger placed on the button  106  and a terminal in a circuit board may define a capacitor, and a change in capacitance may be detected when a user touches button  106  at top surface  107  such that movement of the dome may not be relevant to detecting actuation. In some embodiments, a terminal opposing a contact area that is positioned beneath button  106  may define a capacitor, and a change in capacitance may be detected when a user moves the terminal and the contact area closer together to change the distance between conductors resulting in a change in capacitance. 
     A terminal can be electrically connected to any suitable electronic device component to provide a signal indicating that a user has provided an input to switch (e.g., that the user has caused dome to deflect). In some embodiments, terminal can be electrically connected to a controller operative to detect a change in electrical attributes associated with terminal when button  106  is depressed. The controller can detect and/or measure any suitable electrical attribute of the terminal including, for example, changes in value of voltage, current, resistance, power, capacitance, impedance, or combinations of these. The particular electrical attribute detected can include direct contact of components with contact area above terminal (e.g., direct contact to change resistance), or indirect interactions with the terminal (e.g., changing the distance between conductors to change capacitance). After interpreting the change, the controller can complete the circuit or open the circuit. 
     Invariably, with use, device  100  may come into contact with corrosive elements that can harm device  100  (e.g., corrosive elements may seep in through hole  105 ), and if left undeterred, corrosive elements may ingress through actuator (e.g., dome sheet of a dome switch) to contaminate switch of switch assembly  110 . Various embodiments for switch assembly  110  will be described with  FIGS. 2A-22  that reduces susceptibility to corrosion of the switch assembly  110 . 
       FIG. 2A  is a cross sectional view of switch assembly  110  with sonic weld joints (denoted as  210 ) taken across line II-II of  FIG. 1A  in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Switch assembly  210  may have a weld plate  202  coupled to an underside surface  207  of button  106  at one or more sonic weld joints (e.g., as depicted with  206  and  208 ) to form a seal around switch assembly  210  elements. At each weld joint  206  and  208 , a portion of a top surface (e.g., as depicted with  207 ) of weld plate  202  and a portion of underside surface (e.g., as depicted with  213 ) of button  106  may be welded together at sonic weld joints  206  and  208 . Welding at sonic weld joints  206  and  208  may cause the materials to melt at the welding area and form a hermetic seal and/or liquid resistant seal around switch assembly  210  elements and may protect switch assembly  210  elements from corrosive elements. For example, weld plate  202  and button  106  may secure a lip of actuator (e.g., as depicted with  214 ) in place, and actuator  200  and button  106  may partially enclose or completely enclose switch elements of switch assembly  210  to ensure that corrosive elements are not able to ingress actuator  200 . 
     Weld plate  202  and portions of button  106  at sonic weld joints  206  and  208  may be created out of plastic, metal, any other material, or combination of materials that allows for sonic welding. Although  FIG. 2A  illustrates a particular joint design, those with skill in the art will recognize that any other sonic weld joint design or configuration can be used for mating surfaces (e.g., bottom surface  213  of button  106  and top surface  207  of weld plate  202 ) for sonic welding. Joint designs may include, but are not limited to, the following: shear joint, step joint, tongue and groove, and/or any other type of joint design. 
     Sonic weld joints may be disposed around switch assembly  210  elements and/or actuator  200  to create a seal for the switch. Actuator  200  may have a three dimensional shape that at least partially encloses switch assembly  210  elements. For example, actuator  200  may be a dome-shaped actuator  200  to enclose a circuit board and/or contact areas and may be secured to fit against the underside surface of button  106  to enclose switch elements. Actuator  200  may be formed from metal, plastic, flexible material that allows actuator  200  to deform, and/or any other material or combination thereof. 
     When force is exerted on actuator  200 , actuator  200  may deform allowing first contact area  220  and second contact area  224  of switch assembly  210  to move closer together. Further deformation of actuator  200 , in some embodiments, may allow opposing electrical contact areas (e.g., first contact areas  220  and second contact areas  224 ) within switch assembly  210  to come into physical contact and electrically connect to close a circuit. In addition to or instead of closing a circuit with physical contact between opposing contact areas, force exerted on actuator  200  may allow second contact area  224  and terminal  221  to move closer together to cause a change in state, such as an increase in capacitance, and detection of the change in state may trigger closing a circuit. 
     A capacitor may be defined between contact area  224  and terminal  221  (e.g., beneath contact area  220 ). For example, terminal  221  may be positioned on the surface of circuit board  222  or within a stack of layer that create circuit board  222  and contact area  224  may be positioned opposite terminal  221 . In some embodiments, terminal  221  can be electrically connected to controller  223  operative to detect and/or measure a change in electrical attributes associated with terminal  221  when button  106  is depressed and/or released, and the detection of which may trigger closing or opening a circuit in response to the detected and/or measured change. 
     At rest in an original state, electrical contact areas  220  and  224  of switch assembly  210  are separated and the switch is said to be electrically “open.” In some embodiments, when actuator  200  is compressed against support surface  203  to a point where actuator  200  deforms, opposing electrical contact areas  220  and  224  of the switch may be moved to be in physical and electrical contact to complete an electrical circuit between opposing contact areas  220  and  224 , and are said to electrically “close” the switch. The switch may also or instead be triggered by movement of second contact area  224  and terminal  221  (e.g., beneath first contact area  220 ) closer together to change a state (e.g., capacitance) and detection of the change by the controller  223  may cause the controller  223  to close the circuit. And, when second contact area  224  and terminal  221  (e.g., beneath first contact area  220 ) move further apart, the controller  223  detects that change in capacitance as well and opens the circuit. 
     Actuator  200  may compress when contact force is exerted on actuator  200  from above at top surface  107  of button  106  for switch assembly  210 . Force may be applied to button  106  by a user from above in a direction of arrow A causing actuator  200  to deform. For example, a user may apply force on actuator  200  by depressing button  106  within housing  101 , and actuator  200  may deform when the force against button  106  causes actuator  200  to come into contact with support surface  203  and deform.  FIG. 2B  below provides more detail on a deformed actuator  200  that may create an electrical connection between contact areas  220  and  224 . 
     A portion of actuator  200  may fit within gap  212  or a cavity provided between weld plate  202  and button  106 . In some embodiments, actuator  200  may have interference element  216  that fits within gap  212 , and actuator  200  may move towards or away from interference element  216  when a user interacts with button  106 . The portion of actuator  200  that fits within the gap may be a lip  214  and/or an edge of actuator  200  that can fit within gap  212  and is positioned above interference element  216 . Interference element  216  provides interference when actuator  200  deforms or moves within gap  212 , and interference element  216  may act as an additional seal for switch assembly  210 . 
     In one or more embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 2A , interference element  216  may be an O-ring. O-ring or toric joint may be a mechanical gasket that is shaped like a torus with a disc-like cross-section. Interference element  216  may be sized and have a particular shape to provide a substantially guaranteed interference fit for actuator  200 . 
     One or more electrical contact areas (e.g.,  220  and  224 ), such as copper coated conductive pads, may be coupled to a circuit board (e.g., circuit board  222 ) that fits underneath button  106 . Circuit board, as used herein, may refer to a flexible or a rigid printed circuit board. Circuit boards can have conductive silicon glued to the board and/or have silicon with traces. Circuit boards (e.g., circuit board  222 ) can extend away from switch assembly  210  and can support and interconnect with any desired amounts of circuitry (e.g., controller  223 ) for device  100 . For example, circuit board  222  may fit on inner surface  217  of actuator  200  and have electrical contact area  220 , such as one or more conductive pads that are coupled to the circuit board. In some embodiments, contact area  224  may electrically connect when put in contact with another opposing electrical contact area (e.g., contact area  220 ) and/or detection of a change in state between contact area  224  and terminal  221  (e.g., beneath contact area  220 ) may trigger the switch. In an embodiment, conductive contact pads of contact area  220  are copper coated conductive pads positioned over terminal  221 , and contact area  224  is a conductive material applied to underside surface of button  106 . 
       FIG. 2B  is a cross sectional view of switch assembly  210  with sonic weld joints taken across line II-II of  FIG. 1A  in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.  FIG. 2B  illustrates an actuator  200  of switch assembly  210  in an actuated state. When actuator  200  is in the actuated state, actuator  200  is deformed causing contact areas  220  and  224  to move closer together. Movement of contact area  224  and terminal  221  (e.g., beneath contact area  220 ) closer together may cause a change in state (e.g., increase capacitance) and the detected change in state by the controller  223  may cause the controller  223  to close the switch in some embodiments. Force applied to top surface  107  of button  106  in the direction of arrow A may cause actuator  200  to decompress. Enough force may be applied to top surface  107  of button  106 , and, in turn, causing actuator  200  to contact support surface  203  resulting in deformation of actuator  200  thereby allowing contact areas  220  and  224  to be put in sufficient physical contact and the switch may close. 
     In an embodiment, pressure may be applied to top surface  107  of button  106  and actuator  200  may move toward support surface  203  thereby causing lip  214  to compress against interference element  216 . Interference element  216  may be designed to handle the application of pressure. For example, interference element  216  may deform and/or absorb some of the pressure when force is applied. Interference element  216  may return to the original state after application of pressure ceases. When application of pressure ceases, actuator  200 , button  106  and interference element  216  may return to original position as depicted in  FIG. 2A . 
     Although particular examples of switch assembly  210  elements are provided, those with skill in the art will recognize that any number of switch designs are available with switch elements at least partially enclosed by actuator  200  and button  106  with sonic weld joints between weld plate  202  and button  106  to provide a seal for the switch. For example, switch assembly  210  may have a first circuit board  222  mounted to inner surface  217  of actuator  200  having a first contact area  220  positioned under a second contact area  224  coupled to a second circuit board mounted to an inner surface  219  of button  106 . First contact area  220  may be positioned beneath second contact area  224  so that at least one circuit may close when first contact area  220  and second contact area  224  are put in physical contact and/or when movement of contact area  224  closer towards terminal  221  (e.g., underneath contact area  220 ) causes a change in state that triggers closing the switch. For example, a second circuit board may be positioned such that contact areas of the first circuit board  222  are aligned with contact areas of the second circuit board. 
     Continuing with the example, second circuit board may be free-standing and/or mounted to one or more surfaces below. Second circuit board may have contact area  224 , such as one or more conductive contact pads, that can form an electrical connection when put in contact with the corresponding contact areas  220  of first circuit board  222  (e.g., conductive contact pads  220  of first circuit board  222 ). 
       FIG. 3A  is a cross sectional view of an alternative embodiment of switch assembly  110 , similar to  FIG. 2A , with sonic weld joints (denoted as  205 ) taken across line II-II of  FIG. 1A  in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Switch assembly  205  may have a weld plate  202  coupled to an inner housing  201  of a button at one or more sonic weld joints (e.g., as depicted with  206  and  208 ) to form a seal around switch assembly  205  elements (e.g., circuit boards and contact areas, etc.). At each sonic weld joint, a portion of a bottom surface (e.g., as depicted with  209 ) of weld plate  202  and a portion of top surface (e.g., as depicted with  211 ) of inner housing  201  may be welded together at sonic weld joints  206  and  208 . Welding at sonic weld joints  206  and  208  may cause the materials to melt at the welding area and form a hermetic seal and/or liquid resistant seal around actuator  200  and switch assembly  205  elements. The seal may protect switch assembly  205  elements from corrosive elements. For example, weld plate  202  and inner housing  201  may at least partially enclose a lip  214  of actuator  200  to ensure that corrosive elements are not able to ingress actuator  200  to reach elements  220  and  224 . 
     Weld plate  202  and inner housing  201  at sonic weld joints  206  and  208  may be created out of plastic, metal, any other material, or combination of materials that allows for sonic welding. Although  FIG. 3A  illustrates a particular joint design, those with skill in the art will recognize that any other sonic weld joint design or configuration can be used for mating surfaces (e.g., bottom surface  209  of weld plate  202  and upper surface  211  of inner housing  201 ) for sonic welding. Any number of sonic weld joints  206  and  208  may be positioned around actuator  200  and switch assembly  205  elements. 
     Sonic weld joints  206  and  208  may be disposed around switch assembly  205  elements to create a seal for the switch. In some embodiments, actuator  200  (e.g., a dome shaped actuator) may be secured in place between welded weld plate  202  and inner housing  201 . Actuator  200  may have a three dimensional shape that at least partially encloses switch assembly  205  elements. For example, actuator  200  may be a dome-shaped actuator  200  to enclose a circuit board and/or contact areas  220  and  224 . Actuator  200  may be formed from metal, plastic, and/or any other flexible material that allows actuator  200  to deform and resists ingress of corrosive elements. By providing a seal around actuator  200 , switch assembly  205  elements may be protected from corrosive elements. 
     When force is exerted on actuator  200 , actuator  200  may deform allowing first contact area  220  and second contact areas  224  of switch assembly  205  to move closer together. Further deformation of actuator  200 , in some embodiments, may allow opposing electrical contact areas (e.g., first contact areas  220  and second contact areas  224 ) within switch assembly  210  to come into physical contact and electrically connect to close a circuit. In addition to or instead of closing a circuit with physical contact between opposing contact areas, force exerted on actuator  200  may allow second contact area  224  and terminal  221  to move closer together to cause a change in state, such as an increase in capacitance, and detection of the change in state may trigger closing a circuit. 
     A capacitor may be defined between contact area  224  and terminal  221  (e.g., beneath contact area  220 ). For example, terminal  221  may be positioned on the surface of circuit board  222  or within a stack of layer that create circuit board  222  and contact area  224  may be positioned opposite terminal  221 . In some embodiments, terminal  221  can be electrically connected to controller  223  operative to detect and/or measure a change in electrical attributes associated with terminal  221  when button  106  is depressed and/or released, and the detection of which may trigger closing or opening a circuit in response to the detected and/or measured change. 
     At rest in an original state, electrical contact areas  220  and  224  of switch assembly  205  are separated and the switch is said to be electrically “open.” In some embodiments, when actuator  200  is compressed to a point where actuator  200  deforms, opposing electrical contact areas  220  and  224  of the switch may be moved to be in physical and electrical contact to complete an electrical circuit between opposing contact areas  220  and  224 , and are said to electrically “close” the switch. The switch may also or instead be triggered by movement of second contact area  224  and terminal  221  (e.g., beneath first contact area  220 ) closer together to change a state (e.g., capacitance) and detection of the change by the controller  223  may cause the controller  223  to close the circuit. And, when second contact area  224  and terminal  221  (e.g., beneath first contact area  220 ) move further apart, the controller  223  detects that change in capacitance as well and opens the circuit. 
     Actuator  200  may compress when contact force is exerted on actuator  200  from above. Force may be applied to button  106  on surface  107  by a user from above in a direction of arrow A causing actuator  200  to deform. For example, a user may apply force on actuator  200  by depressing button  106  within housing  101 .  FIG. 3B  below provides more detail on a deformed actuator  200  that may create an electrical connection between contact areas  220  and  224 . 
     A portion  214  (e.g., a lip) of actuator  200  may fit within gap  212  or a cavity provided between weld plate  202  and inner housing  201  to secure actuator  200  in place. In some embodiments, the portion  214  of actuator  200  may be a lip that fits within gap  212 , and actuator  200  may move towards or away from interference element  216  when a user interacts with button  106 . The portion  214  of actuator  200  may be a lip and/or an edge of actuator  200  that can fit within gap  212  and is positioned below interference element  216 . Interference element  216  provides interference when actuator  200  deforms or moves within gap  212 , and interference element  216  may act as an additional seal for switch assembly  205 . 
     In one or more embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 3A , interference element  216  may be an O-ring. Interference element  216  may be sized and have a particular shape to provide a substantially guaranteed interference fit for actuator  200 . 
     One or more electrical contact areas (e.g.,  220  and  224 ), such as copper coated conductive pads, may be coupled to a circuit board (e.g., circuit board  222 ) at fit underneath actuator  200 . Circuit boards can have conductive silicon glued to the board and/or have silicon with traces. Circuit boards (e.g., circuit board  222 ) can extend away from switch assembly  205  and can support and interconnect with any desired amounts of circuitry (e.g., controller  223 ) for device  100 . 
     For example, a circuit board may fit underneath actuator  200  and have electrical contact area  224 , such as one or more conductive pads that are coupled to the circuit board. Contact area  224  may electrically connect when put in contact with another opposing electrical contact area (e.g., contact area  220 ) and/or when movement of and second contact area  224  towards terminal  221  causes a change in state detected by the controller and the controller closes the switch. In an embodiment, conductive contact pads of contact area  224  are copper coated conductive pads, and contact area  220  is a conductive material either applied to circuit board  222 . 
       FIG. 3B  is a cross sectional view of switch assembly  110 , similar to  FIG. 2B , with sonic weld joints (denoted as  205 ) taken across line II-II of  FIG. 1A  in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.  FIG. 3B  illustrates an actuator  200  of switch assembly  205  in an actuated state. When actuator  200  is in the actuated state, actuator  200  is deformed causing contact areas  220  and  224  to move closer together. Force applied to top surface  107  of button  106  in the direction of arrow A may cause actuator  200  to decompress. Movement of contact area  224  and terminal  221  closer together may cause a change in state (e.g., increase capacitance) and the detected change in state may be detected by controller  223  and the controller  223  may close the switch in some embodiments. Enough force may be applied to top surface  107  of button  106  and, in turn, to actuator  200  resulting in deformation of actuator  200  and allowing contact areas  220  and  224  to be put in sufficient physical contact, and the switch may close. 
     In an embodiment, pressure may be applied to top surface  107  of button  106  and actuator  200  may move toward inner housing  201  thereby causing lip  214  to compress against interference element  216 . Interference element  216  may be designed to handle the application of pressure. For example, interference element  216  may deform and/or absorb some of the pressure when force is applied. When application of pressure ceases, actuator  200 , button  106  and interference element  216  may return to original position as depicted in  FIG. 3A . 
     Although particular examples of switch assembly  205  elements are provided, those with skill in the art will recognize that any number of switch designs are available to at least partially enclose switch elements with an actuator and an inner housing  201  and to provide a seal around switch elements and the actuator by securing a portion of the actuator between a welded weld plate  204  and inner housing  201 . For example, switch assembly  205  may have a second circuit board mounted to inner surface  217  of actuator  200  having a second contact area  224  positioned over a first contact area  220  coupled to first circuit board  222  mounted to an inner surface  219  of inner housing  201 . First contact area  220  may be positioned below second contact area  224  so that at least one circuit may close when first contact area  220  and second contact area  224  are put in physical contact. For example, a second circuit board may be positioned such that contact areas of the first circuit board  222  are aligned with contact areas of the second circuit board. 
     Continuing with the example, first circuit board may be free-standing and/or mounted to one or more surfaces below. First circuit board  222  may have contact area  220 , such as one or more conductive contact pads, that can form an electrical connection when put in contact with the corresponding contact areas  224  of second circuit board. 
       FIG. 4  is a bottom perspective view of elements of switch assembly with sonic weld joints (denoted as  210 ) in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Weld plate  202  may have disc shape sized to fit over interference element  216  and around dome actuator  200 . Weld plate  202  may be welded to button  106  at sonic weld joints to create a seal around actuator  200 . Portion  214  of actuator  200  may fit between weld plate  202  and button  106 . Interference element  216  may fit between weld plate  202  and actuator  200 . In some embodiments, when actuator  200  is actuated, contact areas within actuator  200  may move physically closer to change a state and/or come in to physical contact to allow for the contact areas to electrically connect and close at least one circuit on circuit board  222 . 
       FIG. 5  is a bottom perspective view of switch assembly with sonic weld joints (denoted as  210 ) in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Switch assembly  210  is shown with weld plate  202  welded at sonic weld joints to button  106 , and sonic weld joints are disposed around actuator  200  to provide a hermetic seal. A portion of dome-shaped actuator  200  is exposed and may be actuated with an application of force on button  106  to close at least one circuit on circuit board  222 . 
       FIG. 6  is a bottom cross sectional view of switch assembly  110  with sonic weld joints (denoted as  210 ) taken across line VI-VI of  FIG. 1A  in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Weld plate  202  is welded to button  106  at sonic weld joints  206  and  208  to protect switch elements of switch assembly  210  from corrosive elements. 
       FIG. 7  is a flowchart illustrating a method in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Flowchart  700  illustrates a method for creating a seal around switch elements. An actuator  200  of a switch may be positioned underneath a button  106  to at least partially enclose at least one switch element ( 702 ). A portion  214  of the actuator  200  may be secured between an underside surface of the button and a weld plate  202  ( 704 ). The portion of the actuator  200  may be a lip  214  that fits between the button  106  and the weld plate  202 . A contact area may be coupled to a first circuit board for the switch and mounted to a surface of the actuator  200 . The weld plate  202  may be welded to the underside surface of the button  106  with at least one sonic weld joint  206  and  208  to create a seal around the actuator  200  and the at least one switch element ( 706 ). The sonic weld joints  206  and  208  may be disposed around the actuator  200  to ensure that the switch elements are protected from corrosive elements. 
       FIG. 8  is a cross sectional view of switch assembly  110  using conductive covering (denoted as  310 ) taken across line II-II of  FIG. 1A  in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Conductive covering  300  encloses elements of switch assembly  310  to ensure protection from liquids and/or other corrosive elements. Conductive covering  300  may be created from conductive silicon or any other conductive material that protects switch assembly  310  elements. 
     Conductive covering  300  may be shaped to house one or more circuit boards (e.g., circuit board  302 ) for switch assembly  310 . In an embodiment, conductive covering  300  may be shaped like a boot to enclose a similarly shaped circuit board  302 . Conductive covering  300  may have any three dimensional shape that allows for enclosing switch assembly  310  elements and provides room for movement of inner surface  314  of conductive covering  300  toward switch elements. In particular, three dimensional shaped conductive covering  300  may have a shape that allows for switch to be open at rest, and conductive covering  300  may provide enough room for inner surface  314  to move closer to contact area  312  and close the switch when sufficient force is applied at top surface  316  of conductive covering  300 . 
     In some embodiments, conductive covering  300  may be compressed to come into physical and electrical contact with contact areas (e.g., contact area  312 ) on circuit boards (e.g., circuit board  302 ) housed within. In an embodiment, actuator  306  is a metal dome that may be positioned over conductive covering  300 . When force is applied to top surface  107  of button  106  in the direction of arrow A, actuator  306  may deform and come into contact with conductive covering  300 . Force exerted on conductive covering  300  may allow conductive covering  300  to move closer to contact area  312  of at least one circuit board  302  within switch assembly  310  to close the switch. 
     In addition or instead of closing a switch with physical contact between conductive covering  300  and contact areas, compression of actuator  306  and/or conductive covering  300  may change a state (e.g., capacitance) that may be detected by controller  305  and controller  305  may cause completion of a circuit. A capacitor may be defined between conductive covering  300  and terminal  303  on circuit board  302 . For example, terminal  303  may be positioned on the surface of circuit board  302  or within a stack of layer that create circuit board  302  and conductive covering  300  may be positioned opposite terminal  303 . In some embodiments, terminal  303  can be electrically connected to controller  305  operative to detect and/or measure a change in electrical attributes associated with terminal  303  when button  106  is depressed and/or released, and the detection of which may trigger closing or opening a circuit in response to the detected and/or measured change. For example, conductive covering  300  and terminal  303  on circuit board  302  may be conductors of a capacitor, and movement of conductive covering  300  may increase the capacitance that may be detected by controller  305  and cause the controller to close a circuit. 
     In an embodiment, switch assembly  310  may have a switch with contact areas (e.g., conductive contact pad  312 ) that surround a circuit board  302  (e.g., located above and below the circuit board) or are coupled to one side of a circuit board  302  (e.g., contact areas  312  above the circuit board  302 ). A contact area of switch assembly  310  may be coupled to bottom inner surface  318  of conductive covering  300 . When force exerted on conductive covering  300  brings conductive covering  300  in contact with contact area  312 , at least one circuit for switch  310  may be closed. The switch  310  may also or instead be triggered by movement of conductive covering  300  and terminal  303  closer together to change state (e.g., capacitance) and detection of the change by the controller  305  may cause completion of the circuit. And, when conductive covering  300  and terminal  303  move further apart, the controller  305  detects the change in capacitance as well and opens the circuit. 
     As depicted, in some embodiments, conductive covering  300  may be tucked up into button  106 . For example, conductive covering  300  may fit within a cavity or hollow section of button  106 . 
       FIG. 9  is a cross sectional view of switch assembly  110  using conductive covering (denoted as  310 ) taken across line II-II of  FIG. 1A  in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. When force is exerted on top surface  107  of button  106  in direction of arrow A, actuator  306  may deform as illustrated in  FIG. 9 . In some embodiments, application or removal of force on button  106 , actuator  306 , and/or conductive covering  300  may cause a change of state (e.g., capacitance) and detection of the change in state by controller  305  may cause the controller  305  to close or open the switch. If sufficient force is applied to actuator  306 , then conductive covering  300  located beneath actuator  306  may, in turn, deform to allow inner surface  314  of conductive covering  300  to physically come into contact with contact area  312  of switch and close the switch in some embodiments. 
     When application of pressure ceases, actuator  306  and conductive covering  300  may return to original position as depicted in  FIG. 8 . 
       FIG. 10  is a bottom cross sectional view of switch assembly  110  using conductive covering (denoted as  310 ) taken across line VI-VI of  FIG. 1A  in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Conductive covering  300  may completely enclose switch elements of switch assembly  310 . Conductive covering  300  may be created from flexible conductive silicon that can bend enough to allow for easy removal of tools used to put conductive covering  300  in places within the device  100 . In another embodiment, conductive covering  300  may partially cover switch elements. For example, conductive covering  300  may provide a covering for only switch elements at risk to exposure to corrosive elements, such as conductive contact areas, and other portions of a flexible circuit may remain exposed. The conductive covering  300  may be formed from any material that protects switch assembly  310  elements from corrosive elements. 
       FIG. 11  is a bottom perspective view of switch assembly with conductive covering (denoted as  310 ) in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Conductive covering  300  fits over circuit board  302  to enclose and protect switch from corrosive elements. Conductive covering  300  may fit within button  106  and actuator  306  may be coupled to button  106  or conductive covering  300  so as to fit over conductive covering  300 . Dome sheet  301  may fit over actuator  306  (e.g., metal dome) to fix actuator  306  in place. Dome sheet  301  may be formed from plastic, rubber or any other flexible material. Adhesive may be applied to button  106  or actuator  306  to secure dome sheet  301  over actuator  306  and keep conductive covering  300  in place. 
       FIG. 12  is a bottom perspective view of switch assembly with conductive covering (denoted as  310 ) in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Circuit board  302  fits within conductive covering  300  that sits within a cavity of button  106 . Dome sheet  301  is shown coupled to button  106  to secure actuator  306  over conductive covering  300 . 
       FIG. 13  is a flowchart illustrating a method in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Flowchart  1300  illustrates a method for enclosing a switch in a conductive covering for a device. A contact area may be coupled to a circuit board for a switch ( 1302 ). The circuit board may be enclosed in a conductive covering ( 1304 ). In some embodiments, the conductive covering is made from a flexible material that can easily bend to allow for placement within device  100 . An actuator may fit over the conductive covering such that depression of the actuator causes compression of the conductive covering ( 1306 ). The actuator may be a metal dome that is secured over conductive covering with the use of a dome sheet. 
       FIG. 14  is a cross sectional view of switch assembly using conductive adhesive (denoted as  410 ) taken across line II-II of  FIG. 1A  in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Button  106  may be fitted within housing to sit over second circuit board  408 . In an embodiment, button  106  may serve as an actuator for switch assembly  410 . When pressure is applied to button  106  in the direction of arrow A, button  106  may compress second circuit board  408  to move closer to first circuit board  402  to close the switch  412 . 
     Switch assembly  410  may have electrical contact areas  404  and  406 , such as conductive contact pads  404  coupled to first circuit board  402  and conductive contact pads  406  coupled to second circuit board  408 . In an embodiment, conductive contact pads  404  and  406  may be at least partially ring-shaped. Although conductive contact pads are depicted as ring-shaped, those with skill in the art will recognize that other shapes for contact pads may be used to create a seal around switch elements. 
     A layer of conductive adhesive  416  may be applied to at least a portion of conductive contact pad  404  and a portion of conductive contact pad  406  of second circuit board  408 . For example, if conductive contact pads  404  and  406  are partially ring-shaped, a ring-shaped layer of conductive adhesive  416  may sit between conductive contact pad  404  and conductive contact pad  406 . Layers of conductive adhesive  416  may form a water resistant seal for the switch elements of switch assembly  410 . Although application of conductive adhesive is described as being applied to take the shape of the conductive pad (e.g., a ring-shaped conductive pad), those with skill in the art will recognize that a conductive adhesive may be applied to take any shape and/or in any manner to form a seal. 
       FIG. 15  is a cross sectional view of switch assembly using conductive adhesive (denoted as  410 ) taken across line II-II of  FIG. 1A  in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Force may be exerted on switch  412  at top surface  107  in direction of arrow A to compress button  106 . The compression of button  106  may compress the second circuit board  408  positioned under the button  106 . When second circuit board  408  is compressed into first circuit board  402 , contact areas  406  and  404  may come into physical contact and electrically connect and complete at least one circuit of switch  412 . 
     In addition to or instead of completing a circuit by physical contact, opposing contact areas (e.g.,  406  and  408 ) and/or other opposing switch  412  elements may serve as conductors of a capacitor and contact with button  106 , movement of button  106 , and/or circuit board  408  may change a state (e.g., increase capacitance). In particular, a capacitor may be defined between contact area  413  and terminal  403  (e.g., beneath contact area  415 ). 
     For example, terminal  403  may be positioned on the surface of circuit board  402  or within a stack of layers that create circuit board  402  and contact area  413  may be positioned opposite terminal  403 . In some embodiments, terminal  403  can be electrically connected to controller  405  and controller  405  may be operative to detect and/or measure a change in electrical attributes associated with terminal  403  when button  106  is depressed to close a circuit and/or released to open a circuit, and the detection of which may trigger closing or opening a circuit in response to the detected and/or measured change. Controller  405  may detect the change in state and cause the completion of at least one circuit of switch  412  and/or open a circuit of switch  412 . 
     In some embodiments, second and first circuit boards  408  and  402  may have inner conductive contact pads  413  and  415 , respectively. When second circuit board  408  is compressed into first circuit board  402 , inner conductive pads  413  and  415  may be put into physical contact so as to electrically connect and close at least one circuit of switch  412 . As shown, inner conductive pads  413  and  415  are not coupled together with a conductive adhesive, and as a result, relatively more force may be applied to the actuator to cause inner conductive pads  413  and  415  to come in to physical contact and close a circuit than an amount of force applied to cause contact pads  404  and  406  to close a circuit. 
     When application of pressure ceases, button  106  and circuit board  408  may return to original position as depicted in  FIG. 14 . 
       FIG. 16  is a bottom perspective view of an assembly process for a switch assembly using conductive adhesive. At step  1600 , first circuit board  402  may have contact areas coupled to the first circuit board  402 , such as ring-shaped outer contact pad  404  and a circular inner contact pad  415 . Sheet  418  may be secured to first circuit board  402 , such as sheet  418  may be soldered to first circuit board  402  ( 1602 ). Sheet  418  may be created from metal (e.g., copper) or any other flexible material. Conductive adhesive may be applied over outer contact pad  404  and sheet  418  ( 1604 ). For example, conductive adhesive may be applied to have a thickness of 0.1 mm over contact pad  404  and the area of sheet soldered to first circuit board  402 . Sheet  418  may be coupled (e.g., soldered) to inner contact pad  413  of second circuit board  408  ( 1606 ). Sheet  418  may be folded over and second circuit board  408  may be pressed into first circuit board  402  ( 1608 ). 
       FIG. 17  is a cross sectional view of switch assembly using conductive adhesive (denoted as  510 ) taken across line II-II of  FIG. 1A  in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. First circuit board  502  may have an outer contact pad  504  and inner contact pad  514 . Contact sheet  518  may be coupled to first circuit board  502  and folded over first circuit board  502 . Actuator  506  (e.g., dome) may be fitted over contact sheet  518  and secured in place with dome sheet  508 . A conductive adhesive  516  may be applied between first circuit board  502  and contact sheet  518 , and conductive adhesive  516  may provide a seal to protect switch assembly  510  elements against corrosive elements. 
       FIG. 18  is a cross sectional view of switch assembly using conductive adhesive (denoted as  510 ) taken across line II-II of  FIG. 1A  in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Force may be exerted on switch  512  at top surface  107  in direction of arrow A to compress button  106 . The compression of button  106  may cause compression of actuator  506  and contact sheet  518  positioned under the button  106 . When contact sheet  518  is compressed into first circuit board  502 , contact areas  514  and  504  may come into physical contact with contact sheet  518  and electrically connect and complete at least one circuit of switch  512 . 
     In addition to or instead of completing a circuit by physical contact, opposing contact areas (e.g.,  518  and  504 ) and/or other opposing switch  512  elements may serve as conductors of a capacitor and contact with button  106 , movement of button  106 , and/or circuit board  502  may change a state (e.g., increase capacitance). In particular, a capacitor may be defined between contact sheet  508  and terminal  501  (e.g., beneath contact area  514 ). For example, terminal  501  may be positioned on the surface of circuit board  502  or within a stack of layers that create circuit board  502  and contact sheet  508  may be positioned opposite terminal  501 . In some embodiments, terminal  501  can be electrically connected to controller  503  and controller  503  may be operative to detect and/or measure a change in electrical attributes associated with terminal  501  when button  106  is depressed to close a circuit or open a circuit when button  106  is released. Controller  503  may detect the change in state and cause the completion of at least one circuit of switch  512  and/or open a circuit of switch  512 . 
     In some embodiments, first circuit board  502  may have inner conductive contact pads  514 . When contact sheet  518  is compressed into first circuit board  502 , inner conductive pads  514  may be put into physical contact with contact sheet  518  so as to electrically connect and/or moved closer together to change a state and close at least one circuit of switch  512 . As shown, inner conductive pad  514  and contact sheet  518  are not coupled together with a conductive adhesive, and as a result, relatively more force may be applied to actuator  506  to cause inner conductive pad  514  to come in to physical contact with contact sheet  518  and closed a circuit than an amount of force applied to cause contact pad  504  and contact sheet  518  to close a circuit. 
     When application of pressure ceases, button  106  and circuit board  408  may return to original position as depicted in  FIG. 14 . 
       FIG. 19  is a bottom perspective view of an assembly process for a switch assembly using conductive adhesive. At step  1900 , first circuit board  502  may have contact areas coupled to the first circuit board  502 , such as ring-shaped outer contact pad  504  and a circular inner contact pad  514 . Contact sheet  518  may be secured to first circuit board  502 ; such as contact sheet  518  may be soldered to first circuit board  502  ( 1902 ). Contact sheet  518  may be created from a conductive metal (e.g., copper) or any other flexible, conductive material. Conductive adhesive  516  may be applied over outer contact pad  504  and contact sheet  518  ( 1904 ). For example, conductive adhesive may be applied to have a thickness of 0.1 mm over contact pad  504  and the area of contact sheet  518  soldered to first circuit board  502 . Contact sheet  518  may be folded over and pressed into first circuit board  502  ( 1906 ). Actuator  506  and dome sheet  508  may be secured over contact sheet  518  ( 1908 ). 
       FIG. 20  is a bottom perspective view of switch assembly with conductive adhesive (denoted as  410 ) in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. First circuit board  402  fits within button  106 . Conductive adhesive  416  is applied over first circuit board  402  to form a seal to protect switch assembly  410  elements from corrosive elements. Second circuit board  408  may be pressed into conductive adhesive  416 . Dome sheet  401  may fit over second circuit board  408  to secure switch elements in place. Dome sheet  401  may be formed from plastic, rubber or any other flexible material. Adhesive may be applied to button  106  to secure dome sheet  401  over switch elements to keep switch elements in place. 
       FIG. 21  is a bottom perspective view of switch assembly with conductive adhesive (denoted as  410 ) in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. First circuit board  402  fits within button  106 . Dome sheet  401  is shown coupled to button  106  to fix switch elements in place, and conductive adhesive  416  is applied between second circuit board  408  and first circuit board  402  to form a seal to protect switch  412  elements. 
       FIG. 22  is a flowchart illustrating a method in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. A first conductive contact pad is coupled to a first board ( 2202 ). A second conductive contact pad is coupled to a second board ( 2204 ). A layer is applied of conductive adhesive to at least a portion of the first conductive pad ( 2206 ). The layer is situated between the first conductive pad and the second conductive pad, and the conductive adhesive provides a seal for a switch. 
     In certain embodiments, electronic device  100  can also include at least one user input component that may be of a variety of forms other than that of a switch assembly. For example, device  100  can also include one or more input components that may take other various forms, including, but not limited to switches, sliding switches, keypads, dials, scroll wheels, touch screen displays, electronics for accepting audio and/or visual information, antennas, infrared ports, or combinations thereof. 
     According to certain embodiments, the position of one or more of input components can be widely varied relative to the position of another one or more of input components. For example, they can be adjacent to one another or spaced apart. Additionally, each one of the one or more input components can be placed at any external surface (e.g., top, bottom, side, front, back, or edge) of housing  101  that may be accessible to a user during manipulation of the electronic device  100 . 
     In certain embodiments, each of the one or more input components of device  100  can be configured to provide one or more dedicated control functions for making selections or issuing commands associated with operating device  100 . By way of example, in the case of a media player, an input component can be associated with powering up or down the device, opening or closing a menu, playing or stopping a song, changing a mode, and/or the like. 
     As mentioned above, certain embodiments of device  100  can include at least one output component that provides the user with information, sound, and/or a display of information. Output components can take various forms including, but not limited to, audio speakers, headphones, audio line-outs, visual display, antennas, infrared ports, ports, or any combination thereof. 
     In certain embodiments, one or more of the switch assemblies described can be integrated with another input component, including but not limited to, the following: switches, push-button, keys, dials, trackball, joysticks, touch pads, touch screens, scroll wheels, displays, microphones, speakers, cameras, and/or the like. 
     Although not shown, device  100  may have many other elements in addition to input and output components, including, but not limited to: a processor, a storage device, communications circuitry, a bus and/or a power supply. The bus can provide a data transfer path for transferring data to/from elements of device  100 . The processor can control functions of the device and other circuitry. For example, processor can receive user inputs from switch assembly  110  and drive output component  104 . 
     Storage device can include one or more storage mediums, including, for example, a hard drive, a permanent memory, such as ROM, a semi-permanent memory, such as RAM, and/or a cache that can store data. Data can include, but is not limited to, the following: media, software, configuration information, and/or any other type of data. 
     Communications circuitry can include circuitry for wireless communication (e.g. short and long range communication). For example, the wireless communication circuitry of device  100  can be Wi-Fi enabling circuitry that permits wireless communication according to one of the 802.11 standards. Other standards can be supported, such as Bluetooth®. Communication circuitry can include circuitry that enables device  100  to be coupled to another device and communication with that other device. Additional electrical components can be provided for sending and receiving media, including, but not limited to, microphones, amplifiers, digital signal processors, image sensors, optics, antennas, receivers, transmitters, transceivers, and the like. 
     While there have been described switches and methods for the producing switches thereof, it is to be understood that many changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, no known or later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalently within the scope of the claims. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements. The described embodiments of the invention are presented for the purpose of illustration and not of limitation.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20130307
Publication Date: 20171010
Grant Date: 20171010
Priority Date: 20130307
Inventors: DINH RICHARD HUNG MINH
HOOTON LEE E.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "Y10T29/49105", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2239/006", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2215/006", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03K17/962", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/88", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/86", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03K2217/960755", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2229/036", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T307/826", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2223/002", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2239/074", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03K17/975", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/06", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/43", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/43", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2229/036", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/43", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03K17/975", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/86", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03K2217/960755", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03K2217/960755", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2223/002", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2239/006", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2223/002", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/88", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03K17/962", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/88", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03K17/962", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49105", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49105", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/06", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2229/036", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2215/006", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/06", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2215/006", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2239/074", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/86", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2239/006", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2239/074", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03K17/975", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 51486979