Butterfly Hinge Key Mechanism for Uniform Low-Travel Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The reduction in size of electronic devices often compromises the functionality and tactile response of key mechanisms in input devices like keyboards, leading to increased manufacturing complexity and cost, as well as non-uniform key travel distances depending on the pressing location.
Innovation Solution
A keycap mechanism featuring a hinged structure with switch pin retaining mechanisms and switch housing pins, which allows for low travel distances with good tactile response, and is easier to assemble and manufacture, using flexible coupling elements like fabric or elastic materials to secure the hinged structure to the switch housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the size of electronic device is reduced, then the overall device size decreases, but the available space for keyboard components is reduced and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the switch housing and hinged structure into a single integrated component, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps and reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining compact size
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated switch housing and hinged structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, enables key actuation, and maintains tactile feedback, reducing the need for additional components
2Volume of moving object
If components are reduced or eliminated to decrease keyboard size, then the overall keyboard dimensions are reduced, but the tactile response and functionality are negatively affected
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the hinged structure directly into the switch housing, the patent ensures that tactile feedback mechanisms are built-in rather than requiring separate components, maintaining reliable tactile response in a compact form
3Volume of moving object
If traditional key mechanisms are used in compact devices, then the device can be made smaller, but the key travel distance becomes non-uniform depending on pressing location
Solution Approach 1:
The hinged structure is divided into multiple hinge segments that work together to provide uniform key travel across different pressing locations, ensuring consistent tactile feedback regardless of where the key is pressed
Solution Approach 2:
The hinged structure incorporates dynamic movement capabilities that adapt to different pressing locations and forces, maintaining uniform key travel characteristics through controlled mechanical movement
Data Source
AI summary
A key mechanism for an electronic device includes a switch housing and a hinged structure. As one example, the hinged structure can be a butterfly hinge. The switch housing includes switch pin retaining mechanisms on opposing sides of the switch housing. The hinged structure includes two separate wings that are positioned adjacent to each other such that a cavity is formed between the two wings. The two wings are coupled together by coupling elements. The wings of the hinged structure can include switch housing pins on each arm of the wing that extend into the cavity and couple to the switch pin retaining mechanisms in the switch housing. Various configurations of switch pin retaining mechanisms and switch housing pins can be used to attach the hinged structure to the switch housing.