Electro-Permanent Magnet Key Assembly for Variable Depression Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing key assemblies in information handling systems lack the ability to provide a variable and retractable depression force, leading to inefficiencies in user interaction, particularly in applications requiring specific key configurations and force levels, such as gaming, where accidental key presses can occur.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of electro-permanent magnets (EPMs) in conjunction with permanent magnets and magnetically permeable materials allows for the control of key retraction and extension, enabling a variable depression force by selectively applying current pulses to the EPMs, which reduces energy consumption and allows for customizable key mapping and force levels through software and hardware integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional key assemblies are used with constant depression force, then the structure is simple and reliable, but user interaction efficiency is reduced and accidental key presses occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical spring-based depression force mechanisms with electro-permanent magnets (EPMs) that use electromagnetic fields to provide variable depression force. This substitution allows dynamic control of key assembly depression force through electrical signals while maintaining structural simplicity, as the EPM can vary force output without mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic depression force adjustment by controlling the magnetic field strength of electro-permanent magnets through electrical current. The depression force can be dynamically varied based on application requirements, allowing keys to be raised or lowered virtually and providing different force levels for different key assemblies or the same key across different applications.
2Use of energy by moving object
If electro-permanent magnets are used to provide variable depression force, then energy consumption is reduced, but the key assembly requires additional control circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The electro-permanent magnets are activated periodically or on-demand rather than continuously. The EPMs receive electrical current pulses only when key retraction or depression force variation is required, consuming minimal energy during normal operation. This periodic activation significantly reduces energy consumption compared to continuously powered electromagnetic actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The electro-permanent magnets maintain their magnetic state without continuous power input. Once magnetized, the EPMs hold their position and depression force without requiring ongoing electrical current, making the system self-sustaining during stable states and minimizing energy consumption while reducing the burden on control circuitry.
3Measurement precision
If keys are made retractable with variable depression force, then typing accuracy is improved, but the key assembly mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical retraction mechanisms with electro-permanent magnets that use electromagnetic fields to control key assembly position. This substitution simplifies the mechanical structure while enabling precise control of key retraction and depression force through electrical signals, improving typing accuracy without proportionally increasing mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls key assembly behavior by changing electromagnetic parameters (current magnitude, pulse duration, polarity) rather than mechanical parameters. By varying electrical parameters supplied to the EPMs, the system can precisely control depression force and retraction timing, achieving high typing accuracy through non-mechanical parameter adjustment.
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 solution enables users to configure keyboards with variable key depression forces, reducing accidental key presses and enhancing user interaction by allowing specific key assemblies to be raised or lowered based on application needs, thereby improving typing accuracy and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electro-permanent magnet (EPM) coupled in fixed relationship to the base, the EPM being positioned to emit an external magnetic field that acts on the permanent magnet material or magnetically permeable material of the key assembly component
Implementation Method 2
employ one or more electro-permanent magnets (EPMs) together with permanent magnet and/or magnetically permeable (e.g., ferromagnetic) key assembly components to control key retraction and extension
Implementation Method 3
the state of an external magnetic field of key assembly EPMs may be controlled (e.g., selectably turned ON, turned OFF, varied in polarity direction, and/or varied in strength) by temporary application of a current pulse having an appropriate strength and/or polarity to a conductive coil of a given keyboard assembly EPM to cause magnetic material of the EPM to emit a magnetic field of desired strength and/or polarity
Data Source
AI summary
Key assemblies are disclosed herein that are retractable and/or that present a variable key assembly depression force to a user. In one example, one or more key assemblies may be provided that each employ one or more electro-permanent magnets (EPMs) together with permanent magnet and/or magnetically permeable (e.g., ferromagnetic) key assembly components to control key retraction and extension, and/or to control peak depression force (e.g., typing force) required to depress and displace a key assembly from an extended position to a lower position that causes the key assembly to produce a digital or analog output signal.