Game Controller Key Structure With Spring-Tuned Tactile Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing game controller keys face challenges with the conductive silica gel keys, which have short service life and inconsistent force due to silica gel fatigue, and microswitch keys, which lack hand feeling and have a short stroke.
Innovation Solution
A game controller key design that incorporates a base, casing, and key switch with conductive silica gel at the bottom, a spring for force control, and bumps on the key switch and plate body to simulate the force curve of traditional conductive adhesive keys.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conductive silica gel key is used, then hand feeling and mute characteristics are improved, but service life is shortened due to silica gel fatigue and breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The key is divided into multiple components: key cap, key switch, spring, and base. The conductive silica gel is segmented into a specific installation position at the bottom of the key switch rather than being the entire key structure. This segmentation allows the silica gel to be replaced or protected while maintaining the overall key functionality and extending service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The key combines multiple materials with different properties: conductive silica gel for hand feeling, spring for mechanical force and longevity, key switch for electrical connection, and key cap for structural support. This composite structure leverages the advantages of each material while mitigating their individual weaknesses, particularly the fatigue issue of silica gel.
2Ease of operation
If conductive silica gel key is used, then hand feeling is improved, but force consistency deteriorates due to production inconsistency
Solution Approach 1:
The key structure is segmented into standardized components (key cap, key switch, spring, base) that can be manufactured separately with precise tolerances and then assembled. This allows force consistency to be controlled through standardized spring specifications and precise mounting positions, while the conductive silica gel can be optimized for hand feeling independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring parameters (wire diameter, coil diameter, number of coils, material) are specifically designed and standardized to provide consistent force characteristics. The conductive silica gel parameters (thickness, conductivity, elasticity) are optimized for hand feeling. By controlling these parameters independently in different components, both force consistency and hand feeling are achieved.
3Reliability
If microswitch key is used, then service life and force consistency are improved, but hand feeling and stroke are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The key combines the durable microswitch mechanism for long service life with conductive silica gel specifically positioned to provide the tactile feedback and hand feeling characteristics. The spring component adds mechanical compliance and stroke, compensating for the short stroke of pure microswitch keys. This composite structure achieves both reliability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the key have different qualities optimized for their specific functions: the key switch and spring provide mechanical durability and force consistency, while the conductive silica gel at the contact point provides hand feeling and tactile feedback. This local optimization allows each component to excel at its intended function without compromising overall performance.
4Manufacturing precision
If spring is added for force control, then force consistency and adjustability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring serves multiple functions: providing the restoring force for key return, controlling the key press force, absorbing mechanical shocks, and enabling adjustable force characteristics by simply changing spring parameters. This multi-functionality justifies the added component by consolidating several requirements into a single element, rather than needing separate mechanisms for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
Force consistency and adjustability are achieved by varying spring parameters (wire diameter, coil diameter, number of coils, material) rather than changing the overall key structure. This allows different key forces to be produced by changing only the spring component, keeping the rest of the key structure simple and standardized. The parameter changes approach maintains simplicity while achieving the desired force control.
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 improved hand feeling and mute characteristics, extended service life, consistent force, and the ability to conveniently adjust key forces, while also addressing issues of key clamping, abrasion, and uneven pressing.
Implementation Method 1
a spring is installed between the key switch and the base
Implementation Method 2
conductive silica gel is installed at the bottom of the key switch
Data Source
AI summary
A game controller key includes a base, a casing and a key switch. The casing is fastened to the base to form a cavity; the key switch is disposed in the cavity; the top of the key switch is exposed from a surface of the casing; conductive silica gel is installed at the bottom of the key switch; a through hole is provided at a position on the base that corresponds to the conductive silica gel; a spring is installed between the key switch and the base; a side wall of the key switch is provided with a first bump; a plate body is installed on the base; a gap is present between each of two sides of the plate body and the base; and the plate body is provided with a second bump matching the first bump. The spring is used for controlling the force of the key.