Display Key Structure for Customizable Keyboard Input

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing keyboards lack flexibility and convenience in operation due to fixed characters on keycaps, limiting user experience.

Innovation Solution

A key structure incorporating a display panel under a light-transmitting keycap, enabled by a thin film circuit, elastic supporting member, and lifting mechanism, allowing users to define input functions and display additional information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional keycaps with fixed printed characters are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but users cannot redefine key characters or obtain additional information, reducing flexibility and user experience

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidstructure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The keycap is transformed into a multi-functional component by integrating a display screen that can show not only input function characters but also additional information such as application icons, image information, and customizable content. This allows a single keycap structure to serve multiple purposes: traditional key input, information display, and customizable interface presentation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The display screen is integrated within the keycap structure, with the screen embedded in the keycap body. The elastic supporting member is nested between the keycap and the circuit board, creating a compact layered structure where multiple components are stacked vertically without increasing horizontal footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If conventional keycaps with fixed printed characters are used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but users cannot customize or redefine key functions, reducing convenience of operation

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveconvenienceVSAvoidstructure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The keycap transitions from a static component with fixed printed characters to a dynamic component with a display screen that can change content based on user needs and system state. The display can show different information depending on the key's function, allowing the interface to adapt dynamically rather than requiring physical reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The static mechanical printing of characters on keycaps is replaced with an electronic display system. Instead of physically changing keycap labels to redefine functions, the system uses a display screen to dynamically present different characters and information, substituting mechanical customization with electronic flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Loss of information

If conventional keycaps without display functions are used, then the structure remains simple, but users cannot obtain additional information besides input functions, reducing user experience

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation contentVSAvoidstructure

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The keycap is transformed into a multi-functional component by integrating a display screen that can show not only input function characters but also additional information such as application icons, image information, and customizable content. This allows a single keycap structure to serve multiple purposes: traditional key input, information display, and customizable interface presentation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If a display screen is integrated into the keycap, then user experience and flexibility are improved, but the structural complexity increases with additional components

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidstructure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display screen is integrated within the keycap structure, with the screen embedded in the keycap body. The elastic supporting member is nested between the keycap and the circuit board, creating a compact layered structure where multiple components are stacked vertically without increasing horizontal footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The display screen is positioned on the top surface of the keycap, utilizing the vertical dimension rather than expanding the horizontal area. This allows the display functionality to be added without significantly increasing the keyboard's overall footprint, as the screen occupies the vertical space above the keycap base.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 user experience by enabling flexible operation and providing additional information display, such as application programs or images, through the key structure.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic supporting member (140)...disposed between the display key (130) and the thin film circuit (120)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12603236B2Key structure

Publication Date: 2026.04.14 ACER INC

AI summary

A key structure including a base plate, a thin film circuit, a display key, an elastic supporting member, and a lifting mechanism is provided. The thin film circuit is disposed on the base plate. The display key is disposed above the thin film circuit. The elastic supporting member is disposed between the display key and the thin film circuit. The lifting mechanism is disposed between the display key and the base plate.