Deformable Shielding for Waterproof Keyswitches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional keyboards are prone to damage from dust, tobacco ash, and spills due to their vulnerability, which affects the longevity of keyswitches and computer systems, with existing waterproof designs being complex and prone to fluid backflow issues.
Innovation Solution
A keyswitch equipped with a deformable shielding that deforms during keycap movement to cover the substrate and supporting device, creating a dustproof and spillproof barrier through apertures and retaining lugs, formed from materials like rubber or polymer, to prevent contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional waterproof design with drainpipes and holes is used, then fluid can be drained away from circuit units, but the design becomes complex and difficult to produce
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible membrane as a thin film barrier that separates the keycap assembly from the circuit board assembly. This membrane acts as a spill-proof barrier without requiring complex drainpipe structures, thereby achieving waterproof capability while maintaining simple construction suitable for mass production.
2Reliability
If a water tank is used to store fluid, then fluid can be contained, but the keyboard becomes vulnerable to backflow damage when upset
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the water tank component entirely by using a membrane-based barrier system. Fluid is directed away from the circuit board through the membrane's barrier function rather than being collected in a tank, thereby preventing backflow damage when the keyboard is upset while maintaining fluid containment capability.
3Reliability
If the shielding is rigid, then it provides stable protection, but it cannot deform during keycap movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible membrane that can deform during keycap movement while maintaining its barrier function. This flexible shielding adapts to the dynamic movements of the keycap, providing stable protection against dust and spills while accommodating the mechanical operation of the keyboard.
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 deformable shielding effectively reduces damage from environmental factors, enhancing the lifespan of keyswitches by preventing dust and fluid ingress, while maintaining the keyswitch's operational functionality without complex drainage systems.
Implementation Method 1
the deformable shielding is capable of deforming during the movement of the keycap
Data Source
AI summary
The invention discloses a keyswitch for preventing itself from being damaged by the entrance of water and for increasing its lifetime. The keyswitch includes a substrate, a switch, a supporting device, a deformable shielding and a keycap. The switch is mounted on the substrate. The supporting device has an upper engagement portion and a lower engagement portion engaged to the substrate. The deformable shielding has a top portion, and a plurality of apertures is formed on the top portion of the deformable shielding. The keycap thereof defines a lower surface and has a plurality of retaining lugs formed on the lower surface. In particular, the deformable shielding is capable of deforming during the movement of the keycap and further covering the substrate, the switch, and the supporting device.