Electromagnetic Haptic Keyboard Keys Without Mechanical Switch Parts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional keyboard systems lack efficient integration of haptic feedback mechanisms, leading to increased complexity, cost, and potential failure modes, while also requiring mechanical components that hinder durability and compact design.
Innovation Solution
A keyboard system incorporating a substrate with multi-layer inductors and a force-sensitive layer, where each key includes a magnetic element that oscillates in response to polarization of the inductor, providing haptic feedback without moving parts, thus reducing component count and enabling a thinner, lighter design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical haptic feedback components are integrated into conventional keyboard systems, then haptic feedback functionality is achieved, but device complexity and component count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical haptic feedback components with an electromagnetic system consisting of inductors and magnetic elements. Each key incorporates a magnetic element that interacts with an inductor to generate haptic feedback through electromagnetic forces, eliminating the need for traditional mechanical springs, domes, or other moving parts while achieving reliable haptic feedback functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The inductor serves multiple functions: it generates haptic feedback through electromagnetic interaction with the magnetic element, and it can be selectively activated for each key location. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would traditionally require separate mechanical components for each key into a unified electromagnetic system
2Reliability
If mechanical components are used in keyboard keys, then haptic feedback is achieved, but durability decreases due to moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical moving parts by using an electromagnetic field-based haptic feedback mechanism. The magnetic element and inductor combination generates haptic feedback through electromagnetic forces without any physical contact or mechanical wear, significantly improving durability and the operational lifespan of the keyboard
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic haptic feedback system requires no maintenance or replacement of wear-prone mechanical components. The system serves itself by using non-contact electromagnetic fields to generate haptic feedback, eliminating the need for lubrication, adjustment, or replacement of mechanical parts that would otherwise degrade over time
3Reliability
If traditional mechanical haptic mechanisms are integrated into each key, then haptic feedback is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical assemblies with simpler electromagnetic components that can be manufactured using standard PCB fabrication techniques. The inductor can be formed as a printed circuit board trace or embedded component, and the magnetic element can be a small embedded magnet, both of which are cost-effective to produce at scale compared to precision-machined mechanical parts
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the haptic feedback mechanism with the key structure itself by embedding the magnetic element within the key and positioning the inductor on the substrate. This integration eliminates the need for separate mechanical haptic assemblies and reduces the total component count, thereby lowering manufacturing costs
4Reliability
If mechanical components are used in each key, then haptic feedback is achieved, but keyboard thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces thick mechanical haptic mechanisms with thin electromagnetic components. The inductor can be formed as a planar trace on the PCB substrate, and the magnetic element can be a thin embedded magnet within the key cap or substrate, dramatically reducing the thickness required for haptic feedback functionality compared to traditional mechanical springs and domes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from three-dimensional mechanical components to two-dimensional planar structures. The inductor is formed as a planar trace on the substrate, and the magnetic element is positioned in a plane within the key structure, enabling haptic feedback with minimal thickness and allowing for thinner, more compact keyboard designs
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 independent haptic feedback at each key without mechanical components, reducing complexity and cost, while maintaining durability and allowing for a more compact, continuous keyboard surface.
Implementation Method 1
each key includes a magnetic element that oscillates in response to polarization of the inductor
Implementation Method 2
The force-sensitive layer 160 is arranged over the substrate 110 adjacent the array of drive electrode and sense electrode pairs 112 and exhibits bulk change in local resistance as a function of applied force
Data Source
AI summary
One variation of a keyboard system includes: a substrate including an array of inductors; a tactile layer arranged over the substrate defining an array of key locations over the array of inductors; an array of magnetic elements, each arranged within the tactile layer at a key location configured to inductively couple to an adjacent inductor and configured to move relative to the adjacent inductor responsive to application of a force on the tactile layer at the key location; and a controller configured to read electrical values from the inductors. In response to detecting a change in electrical value at a first inductor, the controller also configured to: register a first keystroke of a first key type associated with a first key location defined over the first inductor; and drive an oscillating voltage across the first inductor to oscillate the tactile layer over the substrate during a haptic feedback cycle.