Adjustable Keyboard Key Cap Height via Deformation Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing keyboards in notebook computers are prone to false operations when in touch mode, as the exposed key caps can be easily pressed or touched, causing the user to hold the device awkwardly and leading to accidental key signal generation.
Innovation Solution
A keyboard design where the height of the key cap is adjustable using a deformation element connected to a power supply circuit, allowing the key cap to change height based on the voltage signal received, thereby reducing the risk of accidental presses in touch mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the key cap height is kept high for normal keyboard operation, then the keyboard input function is reliable, but the notebook computer becomes difficult to hold and prone to false operations in touch mode
Solution Approach 1:
The key cap height is made dynamically adjustable through a driving mechanism that can switch between two states: a first state where the key cap is at a higher position for normal keyboard input, and a second state where the key cap is at a lower position for touch mode operation. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to adapt its physical configuration based on the operational mode required.
Solution Approach 2:
The key cap position parameter is changed between two discrete values (high and low positions) controlled by the driving mechanism. By changing this geometric parameter, the system can optimize for either keyboard input reliability or ease of holding the notebook, thereby resolving the technical contradiction between these two opposing requirements.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the key cap height is reduced to prevent accidental presses, then false operations are reduced, but the keyboard input responsiveness and user experience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The key cap height is dynamically adjusted based on the operational mode. In touch mode, the key cap is positioned lower to minimize the risk of accidental presses and false operations. When switched to keyboard mode, the key cap returns to its higher position to provide adequate travel and responsive feedback for deliberate key presses, thus maintaining good keyboard input experience while reducing false operations in touch mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The key cap position undergoes periodic adjustment between two states corresponding to different operational modes. The driving mechanism periodically switches the key cap between the high position (for keyboard input) and low position (for touch mode), allowing the system to alternately optimize for keyboard responsiveness and minimize false operations based on current usage requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The adjustable key cap height reduces the likelihood of accidental key presses during use in touch mode, enhancing user operation by maintaining the key cap at a lower height when not in use, thus preventing false inputs and improving handling of the notebook computer.
Implementation Method 1
the deformation element is disposed between the first baseboard and the second baseboard... and configured to deform according to a voltage signal provided by the power supply circuit
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a keyboard, including a first baseboard, a second baseboard, a deformation element, a key cap, and a connecting element. The deformation element is disposed between the first baseboard and the second baseboard and is capable of deforming according to a received voltage signal. The deformation element drags the second baseboard to move in a first direction when the deformation element receives the voltage signal and therefore deforms to be in an extended state, so that the key cap is at a first height. The deformation element pushes the second baseboard to move in a second direction when the deformation element does not receive the voltage signal and therefore deforms to be in a bent state, so that the key cap is at a relatively shorter second height.