Glass Keyboard Structure With Tactile Raised Key Regions

The patent applies this principle by using a thin, flexible glass top case with raised key regions that can be actuated by finger pressure. The flexible nature of the glass allows it to deform locally when pressed, providing tactile feedback while maintaining an overall flat profile suitable for modern devices.

The patent applies this principle by creating raised key regions with curved or domed surfaces on the glass top case. These curved regions provide tactile feedback when pressed, allowing users to identify and actuate keys by touch rather than sight, while the curvature also helps distribute stress and prevent glass breakage.

The patent applies this principle by merging the keyboard structure with the display assembly. The glass top case serves dual purposes: as a protective cover for the display and as the keyboard interface itself. This eliminates the need for separate mechanical keyboard components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining tactile feedback capabilities.

The patent applies this principle by replacing traditional mechanical switch mechanisms with a sensing system that detects deformation of the glass top case. Instead of complex mechanical assemblies with moving parts, the invention uses sensors (such as capacitive, resistive, or optical sensors) to detect when and where the glass deforms, simplifying the overall mechanical structure while preserving tactile input functionality.

The patent applies this principle by creating localized raised key regions on the glass top case with specific thickness or curvature variations. These local modifications allow the glass to deform in controlled ways when pressed, providing tactile feedback, while the overall glass structure maintains sufficient rigidity for stable support. The key regions may have different physical properties than the surrounding glass areas.

The patent applies this principle by designing the glass top case to transition from a static, rigid structure to a dynamic one that can deform elastically in response to applied forces. The glass is engineered to bend or dome locally when keys are pressed, then return to its original shape, providing tactile feedback while maintaining structural integrity. This dynamic behavior allows the glass to adapt its stiffness based on applied load.