Inductive Keyboard Switch Structure for Continuous Key-State Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical switches in keyboards lack the ability to provide switch signals for states beyond a pressed and unpressed state, limiting their flexibility and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A switch device comprising a circuit board, coil structure, lower and upper covers, and an elastic part, where a sliding part drives the elastic part to move relative to the coil structure, generating a switch signal through inductance variance, allowing for continuous variation between pressed and unpressed states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical switches are used in keyboards, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the switch can only detect pressed and unpressed states without providing signals for intermediate states
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical switch contact system with a Hall inductive sensing system. The Hall sensor detects changes in magnetic field strength caused by the movement of a magnetic component attached to the key switch, enabling continuous state detection without mechanical contact. This substitution allows the system to provide switch signals for intermediate states between pressed and unpressed while maintaining reliability and reducing wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in magnetic field parameters (strength and position) to detect switch states. As the key switch moves from unpressed to pressed position, the magnetic component moves relative to the Hall sensor, causing continuous variation in magnetic field strength. The Hall sensor converts these parameter changes into electrical signals, enabling detection of multiple intermediate states beyond simple binary pressed/unpressed detection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical switches provide only binary pressed/unpressed states, then the device complexity is low, but the flexibility and functionality for applications like e-sports are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces binary mechanical switch contacts with a Hall inductive sensing system that provides continuous analog output. The Hall sensor generates switch signals that vary continuously with the position of the magnetic component, enabling detection of multiple key states including partial presses, holding durations, and release rates. This enhances keyboard functionality for e-sports applications such as anti-cheat detection, key press duration tracking, and multi-state input recognition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the magnetic field changes and converting them into electrical switch signals. The Hall sensor provides real-time feedback on the key switch position and movement characteristics, enabling the system to distinguish between different typing patterns, key press durations, and release rates. This feedback mechanism enhances keyboard functionality by providing detailed information about user input behavior.
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 switch device generates a switch signal that varies continuously between pressed and unpressed states, enhancing the flexibility and potential of keyboard keys, particularly for e-sports applications.
Implementation Method 1
generate a switch signal corresponding to an inductance variance of the coil structure
Data Source
AI summary
A switch device includes a circuit board, a coil structure, a lower cover, an upper cover, an elastic part, and a sliding part. The circuit board gas a through hole running through the circuit board. The coil structure is disposed on the circuit board and surrounds the through hole. The lower cover us located over the coil structure. The upper cover is disposed on the lower cover. The lower cover and the upper cover form an accommodating space. The elastic part is located in the accommodating space. The sliding part passes through an opening of the upper cover and is configured to slide relative to the lower cover along a direction. The sliding body is configured to drive the sliding part to pass through the through hole along the direction to generate a switch signal corresponding to an inductance variance of the coil structure.