Elastic Bridge Keyboard Structure for Thin Keys and Tactile Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing key input devices face challenges in achieving a thin thickness due to the thickness of rubber dome switches and experience high-speed restoration issues due to strong elasticity in membrane metal dome switch type keyboards.

Innovation Solution

A key input device is designed with an elastic member that includes a pressing member capable of transmitting force to a switch member and an elastic bridge connecting the pressing member to a guide region, allowing for a stack structure that maintains a thin thickness and controls the elasticity of the dome switch.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a rubber dome switch type keyboard is used to provide tactile sense, then the user can sense the tactile sense of a rubber dome material, but it is difficult to form a thin keyboard due to the thickness of the rubber dome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetactile senseVSAvoidkeyboard thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic member is divided into distinct functional segments: a pressing member for force transmission, an elastic bridge for controlled elasticity, and a guide region for positioning. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, achieving thin overall thickness while maintaining tactile feedback functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a membrane structure with thin elastic members that provide the necessary flexibility and tactile feedback. The elastic member is configured as a thin film structure that can deform under key input while maintaining structural integrity, enabling thin keyboard design without sacrificing tactile sense.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Length of stationary object

If a membrane metal dome switch type keyboard is used to achieve thin thickness, then the keyboard has a thin thickness, but high-speed restoration of key input occurs due to the strong elasticity of the dome switch

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekeyboard thicknessVSAvoidkey input restoration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the elastic member have different mechanical properties optimized for their specific functions. The pressing member region is designed for force transmission, the elastic bridge region for controlled elasticity with slower restoration, and the guide region for positioning. This local differentiation allows thin thickness while controlling restoration speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the physical parameters of the elastic member, including material composition, thickness distribution, and geometric configuration of the elastic bridge. By adjusting these parameters, the restoration speed is controlled to be slower compared to conventional dome switches, while maintaining thin overall thickness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Force

If the elastic member uses strong elasticity to transmit force to the switch member, then the key input can be detected, but the restoration occurs too quickly causing high-speed restoration issue

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforce transmissionVSAvoidrestoration duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic member is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow controlled force transmission followed by gradual restoration. The elastic bridge configuration creates a dynamic system where force is transmitted effectively during key input, then restores at a controlled, slower rate, preventing high-speed restoration issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution enables the formation of a thin keyboard with delayed restoration of the key input, providing a tactile sense similar to rubber dome switches while mitigating the high-speed restoration issue of membrane metal dome switches.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic member having one surface on which the key cap is disposed, and other surface on which the switch member is disposed at least in part, and wherein the elastic member includes a pressing member capable of transmitting a force in contact with the switch member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20230298832A1Key input device including elastic member and electronic device including the same

Publication Date: 2023.09.21 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a housing having a first surface, a second surface formed parallel to the first surface, and a side surface surrounding a space formed between the first surface and the second surface and a key input device disposed on the first surface and including a plurality of keys. Each of the plurality of keys includes a support member including a conductive contact member, a switch member disposed on one surface of the support member and electrically connected to the conductive contact member of the support member, a key cap, and an elastic member having one surface on which the key cap is disposed, and other surface on which the switch member is disposed at least in part. The elastic member includes a pressing member and at least one elastic bridge connecting the pressing member and a guide region.