Key Inputting Apparatus Static Discharge Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The durability of the leaf spring section in existing key inputting units is low due to its resin material, leading to inconvenient key operations and malfunctions caused by static electricity discharge from the leaf spring end portion to the substrate.
Innovation Solution
A key inputting apparatus with a metal second plate supporting the leaf spring section and metal third plate between the first plate and substrate, which directs static electricity away from the substrate, improving durability and reducing static electricity-induced malfunctions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the leaf spring section is made of resin, then the manufacturing cost is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the durability is low and the key operation becomes inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a composite structure where the holding member is made of resin and the leaf spring section is made of metal, combining the advantages of both materials: resin provides ease of manufacture and metal provides durability. This resolves the contradiction by creating a multi-material construction that achieves both manufacturing ease and high durability.
2Ease of manufacture
If the leaf spring section is made of resin, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but static electricity accumulates and discharges toward the substrate causing malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing the resin leaf spring section with a metal leaf spring section, the invention eliminates static electricity accumulation while maintaining manufacturing feasibility. Metal materials do not accumulate static electricity like resin, thus resolving the harmful static discharge issue.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive member is introduced as an intermediary between the holding member and the substrate. This conductive member provides a controlled path for static electricity, preventing uncontrolled discharge toward the substrate and eliminating the harmful effects of static electricity accumulation.
3Reliability
If the leaf spring section is made of metal, then the durability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional plates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the structure into multiple functional plates: first plate (resin), second plate (metal with leaf spring), and third plate (conductive). This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall durability and managing complexity through functional decomposition.
Solution Approach 2:
The metal second plate serves multiple functions: it provides the leaf spring section for durable key operation, acts as a structural support, and works in conjunction with the conductive third plate to manage static electricity. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing device complexity.
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
Enhances the durability of the leaf spring section and effectively suppresses static electricity discharge to the substrate, preventing malfunctions and improving key operation reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a leaf spring section which urges the key in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the leaf spring section being a cantilevered leaf spring in which an end portion is a free end
Implementation Method 2
the first plate and the third plate are present in this order between the second plate and the substrate. Accordingly, even in a case that the static electricity accumulated in the leaf spring section is moved, for example, such that the static electricity is discharged from the end portion of the leaf spring section toward the substrate, it is possible to receive the static electricity firstly by the first plate. The static electricity, which cannot be received fully by the first plate, can be received by the third plate made of the metal.
Data Source
AI summary
A key inputting apparatus includes: a substrate provided with a switch; a key having a depression surface and a back surface on an opposite side to the depression surface, and a contacting section projecting from the back surface in a first direction from the depression surface toward the back surface; a panel having an opening in which the key is arranged; a first plate arranged between the substrate and the key in the opening of the panel; a second plate supported by the first plate between the key and the first plate; and a third plate arranged between the first plate and the substrate. The first to third plates are formed with first to third through portions, respectively, through each of which the contacting section is passable. The second plate is formed with a leaf spring section urging the key in a second direction opposite to the first direction.