Input Device Button Structure for Low Noise and Thin Profile
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing keyboard keystroke modules fail to simultaneously meet user requirements for low noise and thin, lightweight design while maintaining a simple manufacturing process and affordable costs.
Innovation Solution
A button structure comprising an electrically conductive and elastic dome element with a flexible, insulative trigger having a conductive layer facing a circuit board, allowing for reduced noise through flexible impact absorption and simplified reset mechanism without additional components, achieved through the use of insert molding and different material combinations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a traditional keyboard keystroke module is used, then the hand feeling and noise prevention requirements can be met, but the device thickness and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the dome element and trigger into a single integrated structure where the trigger is formed as an extension of the dome element's central portion. This integration eliminates the need for separate components and reduces overall thickness while maintaining the mute effect through the elastic dome element's absorption of impact forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The trigger is nested within the dome element structure, with the trigger formed from the central portion of the dome element itself. This nesting arrangement allows the components to occupy the same spatial envelope, reducing the overall device thickness while preserving both the mute effect and triggering functionality.
2Reliability
If additional components are added to achieve reset function, then the reset reliability improves, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dome element serves itself by using its own elastic properties to drive the trigger reset. When the pressing force is released, the elastic recovery of the dome element automatically pushes the trigger back to its initial position without requiring any additional reset mechanisms or components.
Solution Approach 2:
The dome element performs multiple functions: it provides the mute effect by absorbing impact forces, generates the trigger signal through deformation, and simultaneously drives the trigger reset through its elastic recovery. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components dedicated to each function.
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 effectively reduces noise and enables a shorter pressing stroke with a simplified design, allowing for thinner and lighter input devices without increasing manufacturing complexity or costs.
Implementation Method 1
the dome element is electrically conductive and elastic... elastic force is accumulated due to deformation caused by pressing the dome element
Implementation Method 2
the impact force between the components may be effectively reduced due to the flexibility of the trigger during triggering, thereby reducing noise caused by mutual impact between the components
Data Source
AI summary
A button structure of an input device, including a circuit board, a dome element, and a trigger, is provided. The dome element is disposed on the circuit board, and is electrically conductive and elastic. The trigger is disposed at a center of the dome element, and is electrically insulative and flexible. The trigger has a conductive layer facing the circuit board. The dome element is configured to be pressed to drive the conductive layer of the trigger to abut against a trigger circuit of the circuit board to generate a trigger signal.