Key Device Dual Pivot Mechanism Edge Press Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional key devices often fail to register presses accurately when the user presses the pivoting side or corners of the key cap, leading to incomplete signal generation and a poor user experience.
Innovation Solution
The key device design includes a substrate with pivot seats and extending arms on the key cap, allowing the key cap to tilt effectively even when pressed at edges or corners, with a restoring member providing the necessary force for successful signal generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the key cap is pivotally connected by a single pivot point, then the structure is simple, but the key cap cannot tilt successfully when pressed at edges or corners
Solution Approach 1:
The single pivot connection is segmented into two separate pivot connections. The key cap is connected to the base plate through two pivot points (first pivot connection and second pivot connection), allowing the key cap to rotate independently at each pivot point. This segmentation enables the key cap to tilt successfully even when pressed at edges or corners, resolving the reliability issue while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot connections are positioned at different locations (first pivot connection at a first location, second pivot connection at a second location) on the key cap, effectively adding a spatial dimension to the rotation mechanism. This dimensional distribution of pivot points allows the key cap to achieve stable tilting motion under various pressing conditions, improving signal generation reliability.
2Ease of operation
If the pivot seats are positioned close to the key cap edge, then the key cap can tilt more easily, but the structural stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot seats are designed with differentiated local characteristics. Each pivot seat includes a pivot connection portion and a supporting portion with different functional qualities. The pivot connection portion facilitates easy rotation, while the supporting portion (with features like ribs or protrusions) provides structural stability and positioning. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between tilting ease and structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot connection structure employs a nested design where the pivot pin is inserted into the pivot seat, and additional supporting features (such as ribs or protrusions) are nested within or around the pivot connection. This nested structure allows the key cap to rotate freely at the pivot point while maintaining overall structural stability through the nested supporting elements.
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
Ensures that the key cap can tilt down and generate signals when pressed at any portion, including edges or corners, enhancing user interaction and maintaining structural stability while reducing the risk of damage or noise.
Implementation Method 1
The restoring member is disposed between the substrate and the key cap. The restoring member abuts against a bottom of the key cap.
Data Source
AI summary
A key device includes a substrate, a key cap and a restoring member. The substrate includes a top surface and two pivot seats protruding on the top surface. The pivot seats are spaced from each other. Each pivot seat has an eave portion laterally extending from a top thereof. The eave portion has a bottom edge. The key cap is above the top surface. The key cap includes a side edge and two extending arms extending from the side edge. An end of each extending arm has a pivoting portion. The pivoting portions pivotally abut against the bottom edges of the eave portions respectively without contacting the top surface of the substrate. The restoring member is between the substrate and the key cap and abuts against a bottom of the key cap.