Hall Effect Keyboard Key Structure for Tactile Feedback and Easy Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing keyboards lack efficient tactile feedback mechanisms and often require complex assembly processes, leading to high manufacturing costs and limited user engagement.
Innovation Solution
A keyboard design incorporating coil springs and magnets within each key, along with a snap fit locking mechanism and an integrated display, providing tactile feedback and allowing for easy assembly and reduced manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional keyboard assembly methods are used with separate mechanical fasteners and tools, then the locking mechanism is secure, but the assembly process is complex and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking mechanism and fastening functions into an integrated snap-fit structure that is pre-formed as part of the key cap or key switch assembly. This eliminates the need for separate mechanical fasteners and assembly tools, allowing workers to simply press the keys into place without complex assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The snap-fit locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage and lock when the key is inserted into the keyboard body. The elastic deformation of the snap-fit features creates self-locking action without requiring external tools or additional fastening steps, making the assembly process self-service and highly efficient.
2Ease of operation
If coil springs are used in each key, then tactile feedback is enhanced, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses inexpensive coil springs that are pre-formed and integrated into the key switch assembly. These springs are designed to be simple, mass-producible components that provide adequate tactile feedback for their intended lifespan, balancing performance with low manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The coil spring is nested within the key switch housing, with the magnet positioned within the internal space defined by the spring. This nested arrangement maximizes space utilization and allows all components to be assembled in a compact configuration, reducing overall manufacturing complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a display is integrated into the keyboard, then user engagement and visual feedback are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard is designed with multi-functionality by integrating a display that can show visual feedback, notifications, and information alongside the traditional typing function. The same keyboard structure serves both as a text input device and a visual information display, eliminating the need for separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The display adds a visual dimension to the traditionally tactile keyboard interface. By incorporating a display layer that can show images, videos, and visual feedback, the keyboard transitions from a one-dimensional tactile device to a multi-dimensional interaction device that engages both touch and sight.
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 keyboard offers enhanced tactile feedback through coil springs, improved assembly efficiency, and increased user engagement with visual content, while maintaining a low manufacturing cost.
Implementation Method 1
the keyboard can use the spring force provided by the coil spring under the keycap to generate tactile feedback to the user
Implementation Method 2
Each key includes a coil spring and a magnet positioned within the key
Data Source
AI summary
A keyboard includes a plurality of keys. In certain embodiments, each key includes a keycap, a coil spring extending from a top side of the keycap to a bottom side of the transparent top case, and a magnet positioned within the keycap. The coil spring biases the keycap toward an undepressed position.