Detachable Keyboard Baseplate for Thin, Recyclable Backlit Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional keyboards face challenges in recyclability due to heavy metal baseplates and non-uniform backlighting, which hinder thin design and assembly efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A keyboard design featuring a plastic baseplate with integral hooks for detachable mounting and a light guide plate with optical microstructures to improve recyclability and lighting uniformity, using a membrane circuit board and scissor-type lifting mechanisms for keycap movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a heavy metal baseplate is used to connect scissor-type lift mechanisms, then the structural strength and stability are improved, but the recyclability deteriorates due to time-consuming separation processes
Solution Approach 1:
The baseplate is segmented into multiple sections with individual hooks that can be independently detached from the holding baseplate. This segmentation allows for rapid disassembly during recycling while maintaining overall structural integrity during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The hooks are designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing them to be easily engaged and disengaged from the holding baseplate. This dynamic connection mechanism enables quick separation for recycling without compromising the structural strength during normal keyboard operation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a heavy metal baseplate is used to support keyswitches, then the stability and durability are improved, but the keyboard thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The baseplate transitions from a rigid metal structure to a thinner plastic structure with integrated flexible hooks. This thin-film approach maintains sufficient stability for supporting keyswitches while significantly reducing the overall keyboard thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The baseplate is constructed using composite material properties, combining the rigidity needed for structural support with the flexibility required for the detachable hooks. This composite approach enables both stability and thinness to be achieved simultaneously.
3Area of stationary object
If light emitting diodes are disposed directly under the baseplate for backlighting, then the lighting coverage is improved, but the brightness uniformity deteriorates due to direct light incidence on keyswitches
Solution Approach 1:
A light guide plate is introduced as an intermediary between the LEDs and the keyswitches. This light guide plate diffuses and redirects the light from the LEDs, preventing direct incidence on the keyswitches while maintaining broad lighting coverage and achieving uniform brightness distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system transitions from direct vertical illumination to a more distributed three-dimensional light path through the light guide plate. This dimensional change in light propagation enables both wide coverage and uniform brightness by redirecting light at various angles before it reaches the keyswitches.
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
Enhances recyclability and thin design while ensuring uniform backlighting and improved assembly convenience through the use of a plastic baseplate and light guide plate with optical microstructures.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide plate with optical microstructures to improve recyclability and lighting uniformity
Data Source
AI summary
A keyboard is applied to mounting on a holding baseplate of a computer device and includes a plurality of keyswitches, a membrane circuit board and a baseplate. The membrane circuit board is disposed under the plurality of keyswitches. The baseplate is disposed between the plurality of keyswitches and the membrane circuit board and is connected to the plurality of keyswitches, so as to make the plurality of keyswitches movable relative to the baseplate for triggering the membrane circuit board. The baseplate has a plurality of hooks. The plurality of hooks passes through the membrane circuit board to be engaged with a plurality of engaging hole structures of the holding baseplate respectively, so as to detachably mount the keyboard on the computer device. A number of the plurality of hooks is greater than forty.