Force-Sensing Keyboard Key Structure With No Idle Stroke
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing keyboards fail to provide sufficient linear control and feedback, as force-sensitive keys require continuous pressure and have limited pressing stroke, which is not conducive to e-sports gaming needs for speed, acceleration, and continuous control.
Innovation Solution
A keyboard key structure featuring a base, force sensing membranes, a scissors mechanism, key cap, sleeves, spring, and pressing member, allowing for immediate deformation of the force sensing membrane upon key press, enabling linear stroke change and reducing overall thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a rubber dome is used in the force-sensitive key, then the key structure can be simplified, but the pressing stroke is insufficient and idle stroke cannot be eliminated
Solution Approach 1:
The key structure is divided into multiple functional components: key cap, scissors mechanism, first sleeve, second sleeve, spring, and pressing member. Each component performs a specific function in the pressing stroke transmission chain, allowing the force sensing membrane to be deformed continuously throughout the pressing stroke without idle stroke.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing member is pre-positioned to contact the force sensing membrane before key actuation. This preliminary positioning ensures that any displacement of the key cap immediately deforms the force sensing membrane, eliminating the idle stroke that occurs in traditional rubber dome designs where the dome must first collapse before contact is made.
2Ease of operation
If the pressing stroke is increased to provide sufficient linear control, then the control effect is improved, but the device thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second sleeve is movably disposed inside the first sleeve, creating a nested structure. This nesting arrangement allows the pressing stroke to be achieved within a compact space, as the inner sleeve moves within the outer sleeve rather than requiring additional vertical space. The spring is also arranged within the sleeve structure, further maximizing space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The scissors mechanism converts vertical pressing motion into lateral movement of the pressing member. This dimensional transformation allows the force sensing membrane to be deformed horizontally rather than vertically, enabling sufficient pressing stroke within a thin profile and eliminating the need for increased device thickness.
3Length of stationary object
If the rubber dome deforms instantaneously to contact the force sensing membrane, then the structure is compact, but idle stroke occurs and control effect is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing member is pre-positioned to contact the force sensing membrane before key actuation. This preliminary positioning ensures that any displacement of the key cap immediately deforms the force sensing membrane, eliminating the idle stroke that occurs in traditional rubber dome designs where the dome must first collapse before contact is made.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional rubber dome collapse mechanism is replaced with a direct mechanical linkage system (scissors mechanism and pressing member) that provides immediate contact with the force sensing membrane. This substitution eliminates the nonlinear collapse behavior of the rubber dome and provides linear, immediate response throughout the pressing stroke.
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 key structure provides enhanced linear pressing feel and control effects, eliminating idle strokes and allowing for immediate reflection of key press state, while maintaining a thin and light design.
Implementation Method 1
a spring (180), disposed at the bottom of the second sleeve (170)... compresses the spring (180), and deforms the force sensing membrane (120)
Implementation Method 2
deforms the force sensing membrane (120) through the spring (180), the second sleeve (170), and the pressing member (190)... immediate deformation of the force sensing membrane
Data Source
AI summary
A key structure of keyboard including a base, at least one force sensing membrane disposed on the base, a scissors mechanism, a key cap, a bracket sets assembled to the key cap, a first sleeve, a second sleeve, a spring, and a pressing member disposed at a bottom of the second sleeve is provided. A side of the scissors mechanism is movably leaned against the base and located on the force sensing membrane, and another side of the scissors mechanism is pivoted to the bracket sets. A portion of the first sleeve is assembled between the key cap and the bracket sets, and another portion of the first sleeve passes through the bracket sets. The second sleeve is movably socketed in the first sleeve. The spring is leaned against the second sleeve and the key cap. A keyboard is also provided.