Key Structure With Metallic Elastic Element For Click Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mechanical key structures are complex and costly due to their numerous components, lacking a cost-effective solution for providing depressing feedback.
Innovation Solution
A key structure comprising a membrane switch circuit member, a rubbery elastomer, a housing, a triggering element, and a metallic elastic element, where the metallic elastic element generates a click sound and tactile feel through its linkage with the triggering element, similar to mechanical key structures but with a simpler design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional mechanical key structure is used to provide depressing feedback, then the user experience is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase due to numerous components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the membrane switch circuit member and the rubbery elastomer into a single integrated structure. The rubbery elastomer is formed as an extension of the membrane switch circuit member, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining the click sound generation function through the integrated elastic deformation mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane switch circuit member serves multiple functions: it acts as both the circuit board for signal generation and the elastic element for producing click sound and tactile feedback. The rubbery elastomer extension provides both structural support and the elastic recovery mechanism needed for depressing feedback, eliminating the need for separate mechanical feedback components.
2Ease of operation
If a conventional mechanical key structure is used to generate click sound, then the tactile feel is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases due to multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the circuit board and the elastic feedback mechanism into a single membrane switch circuit member. The rubbery elastomer is formed as an integral extension of this member, allowing the entire assembly to be manufactured as one piece or pre-assembled unit, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity and cost compared to traditional mechanical key structures with multiple separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replicates the essential function of mechanical key click sound generation using a different mechanism. Instead of using a mechanical hammer striking a bell, it uses the elastic deformation and recovery of the rubbery elastomer membrane to produce the click sound, achieving the same tactile effect with a simpler, more cost-effective solution.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simplified key structure is used to reduce cost, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the depressing feedback is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane switch circuit member is designed to be self-sufficient by integrating the elastic rubbery elastomer extension directly onto it. This integrated structure automatically provides the depressing feedback function through its own elastic deformation when pressed, eliminating the need for separate feedback mechanisms and reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter of the key structure by using a rubbery elastomer material with specific elastic properties. This material choice allows the membrane switch circuit member to naturally provide depressing feedback through its elastic deformation and recovery, replacing complex mechanical feedback systems with a material-property-based solution that is both simple and cost-effective.
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 key structure is cost-effective, generates depressing feedback, and has a more stable component connection, minimizing erroneous operations while providing a tactile feel similar to mechanical keys.
Implementation Method 1
the metallic elastic element is pushed by the triggering element, the metallic elastic element is swung to collide with the triggering element or the housing, so that a click sound is generated
Implementation Method 2
When the rubbery elastomer is depressed, the rubbery elastomer is subjected to deformation to push the corresponding key intersection of the membrane switch circuit member 14
Data Source
AI summary
A key structure includes a membrane switch circuit member, a rubbery elastomer, a housing, a triggering element, a metallic elastic element and a keycap. The keycap is disposed on the triggering element. The rubbery elastomer is disposed on the membrane switch circuit member. The housing is located over the rubbery elastomer. The triggering element is movable relative to the housing. The metallic elastic element is contacted with the triggering element. While the keycap is depressed, the triggering element is moved relative to the housing to press the metallic elastic element. While the metallic elastic element is pushed by the triggering element, the metallic elastic element is swung to collide with the triggering element. Consequently, a click sound is generated.