Electropermanent Magnet Key Switch Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing keyboard key switch assemblies using permanent magnets lack adjustability in neutral positions and suffer from misalignment issues due to the use of two-plate apparatuses, leading to incorrect placement of flange protrusions and insufficient magnetic fields for proper operation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of electropermanent magnets (EPMs) with a single cap support plate ensures precise alignment and adjustability, allowing for multiple neutral positions and individual control of each key, using a scissor plate assembly with flanges that wrap around magnetically soft shunts to enhance the magnetic field's effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If two-plate apparatuses are used in key switch assemblies, then manufacturing flexibility is provided, but misalignment of flange protrusions and insufficient magnetic fields occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the two separate plates (scissor plate and support plate) into a single integrated plate structure. This integration eliminates the alignment interface between two plates, thereby resolving the misalignment issue of flange protrusions while maintaining manufacturing flexibility through the unified design.
Solution Approach 2:
The single plate structure performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, ensures precise alignment of magnetic components, and maintains manufacturing flexibility. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by eliminating the need for separate alignment-critical components.
2Force
If permanent magnets are used in key switches, then magnetic force is provided, but adjustability in neutral positions is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces static permanent magnets with dynamic electropermanent magnets that can be actively controlled. These electropermanent magnets allow adjustment of magnetic field strength and neutral positions through electrical control, providing both the necessary magnetic force and the required adjustability for different key switch configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the magnetic field parameters (strength, polarity, activation state) through electropermanent magnet control. This enables adjustable neutral positions and variable magnetic forces, resolving the contradiction between providing sufficient magnetic force and enabling adaptability in key switch operation.
3Manufacturing precision
If electropermanent magnets with single cap support plate are used, then alignment precision and adjustability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cap support plate with the scissor plate into a single integrated component. This merging eliminates the need for separate alignment procedures and reduces the number of parts to be assembled, thereby improving alignment precision while actually reducing overall device complexity despite using electropermanent magnets.
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 provides a more precise and adjustable magnetic force for returning keys to their neutral position, reducing manufacturing complexity and ensuring proper alignment, thus enhancing the tactile feedback and reliability of keyboard key switches.
Implementation Method 1
the magnet may exert a magnetic force to pull the flange operably connected to the scissor plates back toward the magnet
Implementation Method 2
the magnet may exert a magnetic force to pull the flange operably connected to the scissor plates back toward the magnet
Implementation Method 3
cause a flange susceptible to magnetic forces to rotate away from a magnet situated beneath the scissor plates
Data Source
AI summary
A method for assembling an electro-permanent magnet (EPM) key assembly of an information handling system may comprise disposing a pair of scissor plate mounts framed onto a base contact assembly upward through a cap support plate opening within a cap support plate comprising a printed circuit board with pressure sensors to record keystrokes for mounting the EPM key assembly, operably connecting the base contact assembly to the cap support plate, disposing a ferromagnetic flange operably coupled to rotate with at least one scissor plate about a hinge downward through the cap support plate opening, operably connecting the pair of scissor plates to the base contact assembly such that each of the pair of scissor plates may rotate away from one another in the presence of downward force on a key cap, and situating the key cap atop the pair of scissor plates.