Dishwasher-Safe Keyboard With Segmented Barrier Housing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Computer keyboards are prone to bacterial contamination and are difficult to clean effectively, with existing methods being time-consuming and risky, and they lack resistance to abusive environments such as spills.
Innovation Solution
A keyboard design featuring a key silo made of internally lubricated resin, an actuation unit enclosed in a barrier layer, and a sealable compartment for wireless signal transmission and power, allowing for dishwasher-safe cleaning and improved spill resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If keyboards are cleaned by hand using cleaning solutions and cloths, then some cleaning effect is achieved, but the process is time-consuming and risks spilling cleaning solution into the keyboard
Solution Approach 1:
The patent describes a keyboard housing with a removable upper assembly that can be easily separated from the base. This disposable-like approach allows the upper assembly to be quickly removed and cleaned separately, reducing cleaning time and effort while eliminating the risk of spilling cleaning solution into the main keyboard electronics.
Solution Approach 2:
The keyboard is divided into separable components: a removable upper assembly containing the keys and a base containing the electronics. This segmentation allows the upper assembly to be easily removed for cleaning, making the cleaning process faster and safer while maintaining the integrity of the electronic components.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If cleaning solutions are applied to the keyboard surface, then bacteria can be reduced, but cleaning solution can spill into the keyboard and cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard housing separates the key surface (upper assembly) from the electronic components (base). This segmentation allows the upper assembly to be removed and cleaned separately with cleaning solutions, preventing spills from reaching the electronics and maintaining keyboard reliability while effectively reducing bacterial contamination on the key surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper assembly is designed to be easily extracted from the base. This extraction capability allows users to remove the key surface for separate cleaning, eliminating the risk of cleaning solution damage to the electronics while maintaining effective bacterial reduction on the frequently-touched key surfaces.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wireless keyboards are used to provide flexibility, then user mobility is improved, but the keyboard is exposed to more abusive environments and spill risks
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless keyboard maintains its portable, flexible design while incorporating a separable housing structure. The upper assembly can be removed and cleaned separately, addressing the spill risk associated with wireless keyboard portability. This segmentation allows the keyboard to maintain its adaptive, mobile nature while protecting against the harmful effects of spills in abusive environments.
4Ease of operation
If the keyboard housing is made with complex internal structures for key mechanisms, then key functionality is improved, but cleaning becomes more difficult due to cracks and crevices
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard housing divides the complex key mechanisms into a separate removable upper assembly. This segmentation allows the intricate key structures to maintain their full functionality while enabling easy removal for thorough cleaning. The separate upper assembly can be cleaned without disassembling complex internal structures, making cleaning accessible despite the complexity of the key mechanisms.
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 design enables easy and thorough cleaning of keyboards in a dishwasher while maintaining functionality and resistance to spills, addressing the issues of bacterial contamination and spill damage.
Implementation Method 1
the key silo comprises an internally lubricated resin
Implementation Method 2
The actuation unit is enclosed in a barrier layer
Implementation Method 3
the keyboard circuitry may be potted
Data Source
AI summary
A washable switch that may be used in a keyboard is disclosed. In an embodiment, a housing of the keyboard may include a key opening and a support layer may be mounted in the housing. Key silos may be mounted on the support layer and input keys with support legs may be mounted in the key silos. In an embodiment the key silos may comprise an internally lubricated resin. An actuation unit and a keyboard circuitry may be in communication and encapsulated in a first and second barrier layer so as to provide a keyboard that may be safely placed in a dishwasher. If the keyboard is configured for wireless use, a sealable power source compartment sealably coupled to the keyboard circuitry may be provided with a removable door so as to allow the user, in operation, to access and replace a power source. The keyboard may include an externally exposed connector that may be sealed with a plug that may be attached to the housing by a tether.