Bistable Retractable Key Mechanism for Compact Keyboards
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Solution Overview
Problem
Input devices with movable components, such as keyboards and buttons, are often larger due to the need for keycaps or actuation members to move, which increases the device size and can lead to issues like snagging or damage when stored.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a bistable key mechanism using a selectively magnetizable magnet system that allows keycaps to be magnetically maintained in a retracted position, reducing the overall size of the device without continuous electrical power, and utilizing a collapsible dome or biasing mechanism to facilitate movement between extended and retracted positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If keycaps or actuation members are made movable to enable input device function, then the device can receive user input, but the device size increases and components may snag or damage during storage
Solution Approach 1:
The keycap is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to switch between extended (operational) and retracted (storage) states. The butterfly hinge mechanism enables the keycap to pivot between these positions, and the magnetic system provides dynamic holding forces to maintain either state without continuous power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The keycap structure incorporates nested components where the actuation member is positioned within the keycap body. When retracted, the actuation member nests within the keycap, reducing the overall profile and preventing snagging during storage while maintaining full functionality when extended.
2Ease of operation
If keycaps are made movable to enable input function, then user input is possible, but the keycaps may snag or damage when stored
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic holding system dynamically adapts to maintain the keycap in either extended or retracted position. When retracted for storage, the magnetic force securely holds the keycap in place, preventing accidental movement that could cause snagging or damage, while allowing easy extension when needed for operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The butterfly hinge mechanism incorporates a living hinge that provides mechanical cushioning and controlled movement. This pre-engineered mechanical compliance protects the keycap from sudden impacts or forces during storage and transition, preventing damage before it can occur.
3Stability of the object's composition
If magnetic fields are maintained continuously to hold keycaps in retracted position, then the keycaps remain stable, but electrical power is consumed continuously
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field is applied periodically rather than continuously. The controller activates the magnet system only when transitioning the keycap to or from the retracted position, then deactivates it. The magnetic material's hysteresis properties allow the keycap to remain stable in the retracted position without continuous power, consuming energy only during state transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic system exploits changes in magnetic material properties, specifically hysteresis and remanence. Once magnetized, the material maintains its magnetic field without continuous power input, allowing the keycap to remain held in position. The controller changes the magnetic field parameter from active to inactive based on operational state, reducing power consumption while maintaining stability when needed.
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
This solution allows for a compact form factor of input devices by maintaining keycaps in a retracted position when not in use, preventing snagging and damage, while enabling normal operation when needed, and conserving power by maintaining magnetic fields persistently without continuous electrical input.
Implementation Method 1
a coil configured to selectively magnetize and demagnetize the magnetizable material
Implementation Method 2
The magnetizable material may be magnetized to produce a persistent magnetic field
Implementation Method 3
the magnetizable material may be magnetized to produce a persistent magnetic field that magnetically attracts the ferromagnetic component
Implementation Method 4
a ferromagnetic component attached to the keycap support mechanism
Implementation Method 5
The collapsible dome may bias the keycap toward the extended position
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes an enclosure and a keyboard positioned within the enclosure. The keyboard includes a substrate and a key mechanism. The key mechanism includes a keycap support mechanism, a keycap supported by the keycap support mechanism and movable relative to the substrate, a ferromagnetic component attached to the keycap support mechanism, and a selectively magnetizable magnet. The selectively magnetizable magnet system may include a magnetizable material and a coil configured to selectively magnetize and demagnetize the magnetizable material. The key mechanism may include a collapsible dome biasing the keycap toward the extended position.