Hybrid Keyboard With Fixed And Moveable Keys For Z-Height Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable information handling systems face challenges in minimizing keyboard Z-height while maintaining user experience, as reduced key travel can lead to poor feedback and cramped finger spaces, and traditional solutions compromise on aesthetics and component integration.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid multiple sensor keyboard with moveable and fixed keys, where moveable keys provide tactile feedback and fixed keys offer haptic feedback, integrated with a membrane that includes both contact and pressure sensors, allowing for a reduced Z-height design that extends the keyboard across the housing width and accommodates additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If key vertical travel is reduced to decrease Z-height, then housing thickness is reduced, but key feedback quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard is segmented into two distinct key types: traditional moveable keys that provide tactile feedback and flat fixed keys that provide haptic feedback. This segmentation allows each key type to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall keyboard thickness reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical movement-based input detection of traditional keys with a pressure sensor that detects key presses without requiring vertical key travel. This substitution eliminates the need for key movement while maintaining input detection capability, thereby reducing Z-height while preserving feedback quality
2Area of stationary object
If keyboard width is reduced to decrease footprint, then system size is reduced, but finger spacing becomes cramped
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing moveable keys with flat fixed keys that use pressure sensors for input detection, the keyboard achieves a more compact layout. The pressure sensors can be positioned closer together without requiring the mechanical clearance needed for key travel, thus reducing footprint while maintaining adequate finger spacing
3Area of stationary object
If border size is reduced to increase keyboard area, then key spacing is improved, but port placement space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The replacement of moveable keys with flat fixed keys reduces the overall keyboard area requirement, which in turn reduces the border size needed around the keyboard. This creates additional space for port placement while maintaining adequate key spacing, as the pressure sensor-based fixed keys require less clearance than traditional moveable keys
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
This design enhances user input experience with optimal key spacing and feedback, while minimizing vertical height, allowing for improved aesthetics and increased component integration, such as ports along the housing perimeter.
Implementation Method 1
a first set of keys that detect inputs when depressed by an end user towards an underlying membrane
Implementation Method 2
a second set of keys that detect inputs when a force is applied to a key and without regard to movement of the key
Data Source
AI summary
An information handling system keyboard includes moveable keys that depress vertically to perform an input at a membrane, such as against a contact sensor, and fixed keys that detect an input without requiring vertical movement, such as a force against a pressure sensor integrated in the membrane. The fixed keys are disposed at opposing sides of the keyboard to align along an edge of the information handling system housing and the moveable keys are disposed between the opposing ends of fixed keys. Haptic actuators disposed under the fixed keys provides feedback to an end user when an input is sensed at a fixed key.