Flexible Key Cap With Conducting Plate For Even Stress Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional keyboards with scissor-type connecting elements face limitations in reducing thickness and are prone to uneven stress issues when using flexible key caps without such elements, leading to maloperation.

Innovation Solution

A key structure featuring a flexible key cap with oblique pyramids and a conducting plate, where the conducting plate is fixed to the inner surface and extends with protrusions to distribute pressing force evenly, alleviating uneven stress by twisting and pushing the force to the corner of the key cap, thus avoiding maloperation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If a flexible key cap is used without a scissor-type connecting element, then the thickness of the key structure can be reduced, but uneven stress occurs on the flexible key cap leading to maloperation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethickness of key structureVSAvoidoperation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a flexible key cap made of elastic rubber material that can deform under pressing force. This flexible structure eliminates the need for rigid scissor-type connecting elements, thereby reducing the overall thickness of the key structure while maintaining functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the flexible key cap into multiple regions with different stiffness characteristics. By creating zones of varying flexibility, the structure can distribute pressing force more evenly across the key cap surface, preventing localized stress concentration that would cause maloperation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If a scissor-type connecting element is used to connect the key cap and baseboard, then structural support is provided, but the thickness and weight of the key structure increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural supportVSAvoidthickness of key structure

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the scissor-type connecting element from the key structure. Instead of using this rigid mechanical connector, the invention relies on the inherent elasticity and flexibility of the key cap material itself to provide the necessary structural support and movement functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the key cap by using materials with specific elastic properties. The key cap is designed with controlled flexibility parameters that allow it to provide structural support without requiring additional rigid components, thereby reducing thickness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Weight of stationary object

If the flexible key cap material is used, then the key structure becomes lighter and thinner, but the support force is insufficient causing uneven stress distribution

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight of key structureVSAvoidstress distribution uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of stationary objectVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces asymmetric stiffness distribution within the flexible key cap. Different regions of the key cap have different flexibility characteristics, with stiffer areas providing support and more flexible areas allowing deformation. This asymmetric design ensures even stress distribution while maintaining the lightweight and thin profile.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite material construction for the flexible key cap, combining materials with different mechanical properties. This composite structure provides both the flexibility needed for thin and light design and the structural support necessary for even stress distribution, preventing maloperation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 effectively distributes pressing force evenly across the flexible key cap, preventing maloperation and ensuring accurate key signal generation.

Implementation Method 1

The elastic element is disposed between the conducting plate and the switch circuit board and configured to be pushed by the conducting plate to press the switch circuit board

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The flexible key cap is exposed out of the key structure and configured to be pressed to deform

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Data Source

PatentUS10170254B1Key structure

Publication Date: 2019.01.01 PRIMAX ELECTRONICS LTD

AI summary

The present invention relates to a key structure, including a flexible key cap, a conducting plate, a switch circuit board capable of generating a key signal, and an elastic element. The conducting plate is fixed on an inner surface of the flexible key cap and in contact with a plurality of inner sidewalls of the flexible key cap. The switch circuit board is disposed below the conducting plate, and the elastic element is disposed between the conducting plate and the switch circuit board. When the flexible key cap receives the pressing force, the conducting plate twists due to deformation of the flexible key cap, and pushes the plurality of inner sidewalls of the flexible key cap, so as to conduct a pressing force to a corner of the flexible key cap.