Dual-Configuration Keys for Compact Tactile Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Keys in compact apparatuses face a trade-off between providing tactile feedback and maintaining a small size, as keys that travel to actuate switches require space, making handheld devices bulky.
Innovation Solution
The development of keys with dual configurations: an in-use configuration that allows travel for tactile feedback and a stowed configuration that maintains compactness, using mechanisms like sliding covers or resilient materials to enable automatic return to the raised position after user input, and disabling travel when stowed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If keys are designed to travel between raised and lowered positions to provide tactile feedback, then user input accuracy and tactile feedback are improved, but the volume of the keypad and apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The keys are designed to dynamically change their configuration between in-use and stowed states. When in the in-use configuration, keys can travel between raised and lowered positions to provide tactile feedback. When in the stowed configuration, keys are positioned to minimize the volume occupied by the keypad. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the same key structure to serve both tactile feedback and compactness requirements at different times.
Solution Approach 2:
The key structure is segmented into multiple functional parts including the key cap, stem, and underlying switch mechanism. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component - the key cap and stem can be designed to provide tactile feedback when needed, while the overall key assembly can be reconfigured to a compact stowed position when tactile feedback is not required, thus resolving the volume contradiction.
2Measurement precision
If keys are designed to travel to actuate switches, then accurate user input is provided, but the apparatus size increases making it unsuitable for handheld applications
Solution Approach 1:
The key assembly is designed with dynamic reconfiguration capability between in-use and stowed configurations. In the in-use configuration, keys have sufficient travel distance to actuate switches accurately. In the stowed configuration, the entire key assembly repositions to minimize the apparatus length. This dynamic behavior allows the apparatus to achieve both accurate input and compact form factor at different operational states.
3Ease of operation
If space for key travel is provided, then tactile feedback is enhanced, but the compactness of the apparatus is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus employs dynamic reconfiguration of the key assembly between two distinct states: in-use configuration where keys have full travel capability for tactile feedback, and stowed configuration where the key assembly repositions to achieve a compact, space-efficient shape. This dynamic adaptation allows the apparatus to optimize for tactile feedback during operation and for compactness during storage or transport.
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
Enables compact design when not in use while providing tactile feedback through key travel during use, without increasing the device's size.
Implementation Method 1
The resilient material comprises shape metal alloy that is deformed in the stowed configuration
Implementation Method 2
The resilient material comprises shape metal alloy that is deformed in the stowed configuration
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus including: a plurality of keys each having an in-use configuration and a stowed configuration, wherein a key when in the in-use configuration is configured to travel between a first relatively raised position and a second relatively lowered position under a user applied force and is configured to return to the first relatively raised position after removal of the user applied force and wherein a key when in the stowed configuration is unable to travel to the first relatively raised position.