Capacitive Keyboard Key Sensing for Press-Depth Input Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional keyboards using light-reflective sensing modules to determine key press depth are costly and require additional space, limiting their ability to generate multiple input signals based on press depth for applications like gaming where speed control is necessary.
Innovation Solution
A keyboard with a capacitance sensing module that includes sensing units and a controlling unit, which generates a capacitance variation value when key structures are pressed, allowing the processing module to determine the pressed degree and generate corresponding input signals, thereby enabling multiple input signals from a single key structure without the need for extra space or increased manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If light-reflective sensing modules are used to determine key press depth, then multiple input signals can be generated based on press depth, but manufacturing cost increases and additional space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sensing function into the existing key structure by using the metal sheet spring as both the mechanical actuator and the capacitive sensing element. This eliminates the need for separate infrared emitting units and sensing units, reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to detect press depth through capacitance changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The metal sheet spring serves multiple functions: it provides the mechanical restoring force for the key, acts as the capacitive sensing element for detecting press depth, and generates the trigger signal when pressed. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated sensing components, reducing both cost and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If light-reflective sensing modules are used to determine key press depth, then multiple input signals can be generated based on press depth, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sensing function into the existing key structure by using the metal sheet spring as both the mechanical actuator and the capacitive sensing element. This eliminates the need for separate infrared emitting units and sensing units, reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to detect press depth through capacitance changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The metal sheet spring serves multiple functions: it provides the mechanical restoring force for the key, acts as the capacitive sensing element for detecting press depth, and generates the trigger signal when pressed. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated sensing components, reducing both cost and complexity.
3Measurement precision
If light-reflective sensing modules are used to determine key press depth, then pressed degree can be obtained, but additional space is required for infrared units
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sensing function into the existing key structure by using the metal sheet spring as both the mechanical actuator and the capacitive sensing element. This eliminates the need for separate infrared emitting units and sensing units, reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to detect press depth through capacitance changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the optical sensing system (infrared emitting units and sensing units) with an electrical capacitive sensing system. The capacitive sensing module detects changes in capacitance caused by the displacement of the metal sheet spring, providing pressed degree information without requiring additional optical components and their associated space.
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 capacitance sensing module allows for precise determination of key press depth, enabling multiple input signals from a single key structure, reducing manufacturing costs and saving space compared to conventional light reflection-based keyboards.
Implementation Method 1
When the key structure is pressed, the corresponding sensing unit generates a capacitance variation in accordance with a pressed degree of the key structure
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a keyboard, which includes a base plate, a plurality of key structures, a circuit board, and a capacitance sensing module. The base plate includes a plurality of opening portions. The key structures are respectively disposed in the opening portions. The circuit board is disposed on a surface of the base plate. The capacitance sensing module includes a plurality of sensing units and a controlling unit. The sensing units are respectively disposed in a plurality of clear areas, and the clear areas are proximal to the key structures. The controlling unit is disposed on the circuit board. The controlling unit is electrically connected to the sensing units. When the key structure is pressed, the corresponding sensing unit generates a capacitance variation in accordance with a pressed degree of the key structure, and controlling unit generates a capacitance variation value.