Adjustable Keyboard Tactile Feedback Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional keyboards provide only a single type of tactile feedback, which cannot meet the diverse needs of users in different operation situations, leading to the need for multiple keyboards and increased costs and storage concerns.
Innovation Solution
A keyboard with an adjustable mechanism that allows for multiple types of tactile feedback by using an adjustment frame and ribs to change the position of tactile feedback members, enabling the adjustment of tactile feedback without increasing the keyboard's thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a keyboard provides only a single type of tactile feedback, then the device complexity is reduced and manufacturing is simpler, but the adaptability to different user needs and operation situations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an adjustable tactile feedback mechanism where the tension of the tactile feedback member can be dynamically changed by rotating an adjustment knob. This allows the keyboard to adapt between different tactile feedback types (e.g., linear, tactile, cushioned) without requiring multiple separate keyboards, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining relatively simple structure through a single adjustable mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the tactile feedback member (specifically its tension or pre-tightness) to achieve different tactile feedback characteristics. By adjusting the tension parameter within a certain range, the same keyswitch can provide multiple types of tactile feedback, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple keyboards with different tactile feedbacks are purchased to satisfy user needs, then the adaptability is improved, but the cost and storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single keyboard universal by incorporating an adjustable tactile feedback mechanism that can provide multiple types of tactile feedback (linear, tactile, cushioned, etc.) through one keyswitch design. This eliminates the need for users to purchase and store multiple specialized keyboards, thereby improving adaptability while reducing the quantity of keyboards needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple keyboards with different tactile feedback types into a single keyboard system. By integrating the adjustment mechanism directly into the keyswitch structure, the patent combines what would have been separate products into one unified device, reducing both cost and storage requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an adjustment mechanism is added to provide multiple tactile feedbacks, then the adaptability is improved, but the keyboard thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the adjustment mechanism within the existing keyboard structure. The adjustment knob and its associated components (adjustment hole, adjustment slot) are integrated into the keyswitch housing and cover plate, allowing the mechanism to be accommodated within the existing thickness rather than adding to it. This resolves the contradiction by providing adjustability without significantly increasing keyboard thickness.
4Device complexity
If the adjustment mechanism is integrated into the keyswitch structure, then the device complexity is minimized and thickness is reduced, but the ease of manufacture may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the keyswitch into distinct components (keycap, cover plate, housing, tactile feedback member, adjustment mechanism) that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function and manufactured using appropriate processes, then combined through standardized interfaces (adjustment holes, slots, knobs), thereby managing manufacturing complexity while achieving integrated design benefits.
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 solution provides users with customizable tactile feedback options while minimizing the keyboard's thickness, enhancing usability and reducing the need for multiple keyboards.
Implementation Method 1
The restoring member provides the restoring force to drive the plunger to move away from the lower casing
Implementation Method 2
The adjustment frame is movable relative to the cover plate, so that each of the adjustment portions drives a portion of the tactile feedback member to move
Data Source
AI summary
A keyboard includes a cover plate having a plurality of first keyholes, an adjustment mechanism disposed under the cover plate, and a plurality of keyswitches. The adjustment mechanism includes an adjustment frame and a plurality of adjustment portions. The adjustment frame includes a plurality of ribs defining a plurality of second keyholes corresponding to the plurality of first keyholes, respectively. Each of the adjustment portions is proximate to a corresponding one of the second keyholes. Each of the keyswitches includes a tactile feedback member and is located in corresponding first and second keyholes, so that the adjustment portion corresponds to the tactile feedback member of its corresponding keyswitch. The adjustment frame is movable relative to the cover plate, so that each of the adjustment portions drives a portion of the tactile feedback member to move, to change tactile feedback of the keyswitches.