Embedded Key Socket Structure for Low-Profile Mechanical Keyboards
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing key plugging structures in keyboards result in an increased height due to the socket for key plugging being arranged on the surface of the circuit board, which affects key parameters like volume, weight, and raw material usage, thereby increasing production costs.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution embeds the socket for key plugging into the circuit board, rather than arranging it on the surface, thereby reducing the overall height of the key and keyboard.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the socket for key plugging is arranged on the surface of the circuit board, then the key shaft can be directly plugged and assembled without additional welding, but the thickness of the circuit board and the overall height of the keyboard increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The socket is embedded within the circuit board rather than being mounted on its surface. The circuit board has a through-hole that receives the socket, allowing the socket to be nested inside the board structure. This nesting approach maintains the plug-and-play assembly advantage while eliminating the height increase that would result from surface mounting the socket.
2Length of stationary object
If the socket is embedded into the circuit board, then the keyboard height is reduced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The socket and circuit board are merged into a single integrated structure. The socket is embedded within the circuit board's through-hole, combining what would otherwise be separate components into one unified assembly. This merging reduces the overall keyboard height while the modular design keeps manufacturing complexity manageable.
3Loss of substance
If the socket is embedded into the circuit board, then the amount of raw materials and production costs are reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The socket is nested within the circuit board's through-hole, which optimizes material usage by eliminating the need for additional mounting structures or extended socket housings. The precise fit of the socket within the through-hole reduces overall material consumption while the standardized through-hole design keeps manufacturing precision requirements within normal tolerances.
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
This approach reduces the thickness and weight of the keyboard, allowing for a thinner and lighter mechanical keyboard design while simplifying raw material usage and reducing production costs.
Implementation Method 1
the elastic member elastically clamping the key shaft
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a key plugging structure, a key assembly and a keyboard. The key plugging structure includes a circuit board, a socket member and an elastic member. The circuit board includes a through hole penetrating through the circuit board. The socket member includes a slot and a first jack hole, the first jack hole is formed at the bottom of the slot; the socket member is embedded in the through hole; the first jack hole and the through hole are connected to each other; the elastic member has a second jack hole; the elastic member is assembled in the hole slot; the second socket hole and the first socket hole are connected with each other. Further, the key assembly includes a key. The redesign for the socket of the key plugging structure embedded in the circuit board reduce the height of the key assembly.