Key Lifting Mechanism Height Control via Maintaining Gap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional key structures face challenges in precise height control and accurate upward/downward lifting due to size reduction trends, assembly interference, and abrasion losses affecting the predetermined lifting stroke, leading to structural strength and operational issues.
Innovation Solution
A key structure design featuring a lifting mechanism with a pair of brackets and shaft portions, where the lower shaft portion is separated from the base plate by a maintaining gap, allowing for stable reciprocation and minimizing abrasion impacts on the lifting stroke, and incorporating an elastomer for energy storage and a thin-film layer for triggering signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the lifting mechanism is assembled and connected to the base plate with tight tolerances for automated assembly, then the height control precision and lifting accuracy are improved, but the structure becomes more complex and assembly difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the height control function from the connection interface between the lifting mechanism and base plate. By introducing a limiting structure (such as a limiting rib or positioning feature) that protrudes from the base plate and engages with the lifting mechanism, the height control is achieved through this dedicated feature rather than relying on the precision of the entire connection interface. This allows the connection to be assembled with standard tolerances while maintaining accurate height control.
2Volume of moving object
If the connection parts between key cap, lifting mechanism and base plate are reduced in size to meet thinning trends, then the overall device thickness is reduced, but the structural strength and assembly reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the load-bearing function in specific localized areas rather than distributing it throughout the entire connection structure. The limiting structure is designed with optimized local geometry (such as increased thickness at the limiting rib, or use of reinforcement features) to provide sufficient strength and resistance to pullout forces, while the rest of the connection parts can be minimized in size to achieve overall thinness.
3Productivity
If automated assembly procedures are implemented with strict design requirements, then assembly efficiency and consistency are improved, but assembly time and production capacity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary action by designing self-aligning and self-centering features in the connection structure. The limiting structure is positioned and oriented during base plate manufacturing, so that when the lifting mechanism is assembled, it automatically aligns with the correct position and orientation. This eliminates the need for complex alignment procedures during automated assembly, reducing cycle time while maintaining consistency.
4Reliability
If the lifting mechanism is designed with tight tolerances to prevent detachment and deformation, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing difficulty and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating tolerance compensation features in the design. The limiting structure includes built-in clearance or compliance elements that accommodate manufacturing variations without compromising the anti-detachment function. For example, the limiting rib may have a height tolerance range that still ensures proper engagement, or the connection interface may include features that self-adjust to accommodate dimensional variations, thereby maintaining reliability while easing manufacturing requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A key structure is provided. The key structure includes a base plate, a key cap and a lifting mechanism is provided. The base plate includes a first bottom wall. The key cap is disposed opposite to the base plate and includes a first cap wall. The lifting mechanism is movably connected between the key cap and the base plate, so that the key cap could reciprocate with respect to the base plate. The lifting mechanism includes a first lower shaft portion and a first upper shaft portion, which are respectively movably connected on the same side of the key cap and the base plate. When the key cap is in a released state, the first upper shaft portion presses against the first cap wall, but the first lower shaft portion is separated from the bottom wall by a maintaining gap.