Hall Effect Keyboard Switch with Non-Contact Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mechanical keyboard switches have short service life, long response times, and poor contact stability, and are susceptible to dust and liquid ingress, affecting their performance.

Innovation Solution

A Hall Principle-based LED lit mechanical keyboard switch design incorporating a keymodule, permanent magnet, housing, LED lamp, Hall switch, elastic strip, top cover, and spring, with features like anti-interference hoods and easy maintenance options, providing a water- and dust-resistant solution with tactile feedback and multi-color backlight capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional mechanical keyboard switch structure is used, then tactile feedback is provided, but service life is short and contact stability is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice lifeVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical contact system with a Hall effect sensor system. The Hall switch detects the position of the plunger through magnetic field changes rather than direct mechanical contact, eliminating wear between contact pieces and significantly extending service life while maintaining the mechanical tactile feedback through the plunger-spring-keycap mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a permanent magnet as an intermediary between the mechanical plunger and the Hall switch. The magnet converts the mechanical displacement of the plunger into magnetic field changes that the Hall sensor can detect, enabling non-contact sensing while preserving the mechanical tactile experience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Speed

If traditional mechanical contact pieces are used, then key press detection is achieved, but response time is long

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse timeVSAvoidcontact stability

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical contact detection system with an electromagnetic Hall effect sensing system. The Hall switch responds to magnetic field changes almost instantaneously, providing faster response time compared to mechanical contact pieces that require physical contact and have inherent mechanical delays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If open structure keyboard switch is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but dust and liquid ingress affects performance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedust and liquid resistanceVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the Hall effect sensor's ability to detect magnetic fields through non-magnetic materials to create a sealed structure. The sensor can detect plunger position through the housing material, allowing the switch to be fully enclosed to prevent dust and liquid ingress while maintaining sensing functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Reliability

If Hall effect sensor is used instead of mechanical contact, then response time is reduced and service life extended, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontact stabilityVSAvoidcomponent complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the permanent magnet and Hall switch into a compact integrated assembly that replaces the traditional contact piece structure. This merging reduces the overall number of separate components and simplifies the assembly process, offsetting the added complexity of the Hall effect sensing mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 extends the service life, reduces response time, and enhances durability while maintaining tactile feedback, offering water- and dust-resistance with a simple structure, low manufacturing costs, and easy replacement options.

Implementation Method 1

A Hall Principle-based LED lit mechanical keyboard switch comprising a keymodule, permanent magnet, housing, LED lamp, Hall switch

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHall effect: Hall Effect

Implementation Method 2

one end of the said spring is connected with the said first locating pole, and its other end is connected with the said second locating pole

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20170148594A1Hall Principle-based LED lit Mechanical Keyboard Switch

Publication Date: 2017.05.25 DONGGUAN GAOTE ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

The present invention relates to a Hall Principle-based LED lit mechanical keyboard switch comprising a keymodule, permanent magnet, housing, LED lamp, Hall switch, elastic strip, top cover and spring; the keymodule consists of a plunger and a slider, the plunger has a key on top and a first locating pole at bottom; the slider has magnet mounting slot on its side wall; a second locating pole is provided at the bottom center inside the housing, the second locating pole is provided with a guide hole at its center, and a LED lamp mounting hole is provided on one side in the housing; Hall switch mounting hole and plunger slideway are provided on the neighboring side next to the side of the housing on which LED lamp mounting hole is provided.