Dual-Conductive Key Switch with Sequential Mechanical and Optical Triggers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current key switches can only provide a single conduction function when pressed, failing to meet the increasing functional requirements for higher performance and user experience, especially in gaming applications where dual conduction is desired.

Innovation Solution

A combined dual-conductive key switch design featuring a base, cover, conductive core, mechanical-conducting component, and light-conducting component, with a conduction trigger block and light-blocking protrusion that trigger distinct conduction strokes, allowing for sequential conduction of both components with a single press, enabling dual functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional single-conductive key switch is used, then the structure is simple, but the functional requirement cannot be met for dual conduction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconduction functionVSAvoidswitch structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The key switch is divided into separate functional components: a mechanical-conducting component with stationary and movable contacts, and a light-conducting component with light emission and reception elements. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific conduction function independently, enabling dual conduction capability while maintaining clear functional boundaries and manageable complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The key switch structure is designed to perform multiple functions through a single pressing action. The conductive core integrates both mechanical contact activation and light path blocking, allowing the same physical action to trigger two different conduction modes (mechanical and optical), thereby achieving multi-functionality without requiring separate switches

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a dual-conductive key switch with separate components is added, then the conduction function is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedual conduction capabilityVSAvoidcomponent structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical-conducting component and light-conducting component are merged into a single integrated key switch assembly. Both components share common structural elements such as the conductive core, base, and cover, and are activated by the same pressing motion. This merging reduces overall system complexity compared to using separate switches while maintaining dual conduction capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The light-conducting component is nested within the same spatial structure as the mechanical-conducting component. The light emission element and reception element are positioned within the key switch housing, with the light path arranged to be blocked by the conductive core during pressing. This nesting allows both conduction mechanisms to coexist in a compact arrangement without requiring separate physical spaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 dual-conductive key switch provides enhanced functionality and user experience by allowing two actions to be performed with a single press, improving performance and meeting higher functional demands.

Implementation Method 1

a light-conducting component (6) which is electrically connected to the PCB (4) respectively, wherein ... a light-blocking protrusion (32) corresponding to the mechanical-conducting component (5) are respectively arranged on the conductive core (3)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Implementation Method 2

the mechanical-conducting component (5) comprises a stationary plate (51) and a movable plate (52), a stationary contact (511) is provided on the stationary plate (51), a movable contact (521) corresponding to the stationary contact (511) is provided on the movable plate (52)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical contact conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 3

a light-blocking protrusion (32) corresponding to the mechanical-conducting component (5) are respectively arranged on the conductive core (3)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight blocking: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS20230039078A1Combined dual-conductive key switch

Publication Date: 2023.02.09 MECHANICAL KEYBOARDS LLC

AI summary

A combined dual-conductive key switch including a base, a cover arranged above the base and a conductive core, wherein the combined dual-conductive key switch further includes a mechanical-conducting component and a light-conducting component which are electrically connected to a PCB respectively, wherein a conduction trigger block corresponding to the mechanical-conducting component and a light-blocking protrusion corresponding to the mechanical-conducting component are respectively arranged on the conductive core; and the conduction trigger block triggers a conduction stroke of conducting the mechanical-conducting component, which is different from the conduction stroke of conducting the light-conducting component triggered by the light-blocking protrusion. The combined dual-conductive key switch is provided for achieving dual-conductive functions of pressing once and performing two actions for a product.