Key Module Damping Elements Reduce Impact Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical key modules in computer keyboards generate significant impact noises both during actuation and release, which are bothersome in office environments, without a satisfactory solution to reduce these noises without compromising switching characteristics or lifespan.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating first and second damping elements, which can form a one-piece damping element, made of elastic plastics material like TPE, at the lower and upper stops to absorb the impact, reducing noise by up to 90% without altering the key module's performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional rigid stops are used in mechanical key modules, then the switching characteristics and lifespan are maintained, but impact noises are generated during key actuation and release
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by introducing damping elements (first damping element at the lower stop and second damping element at the upper stop) that are pre-positioned to absorb impact energies before they can generate noise. These damping elements are integrated into the stop structures and actively reduce impact noises during key actuation and release while maintaining the mechanical switching characteristics and lifespan of the key module
2Object-affected harmful factors
If damping elements are added to reduce impact noises, then noise levels decrease, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining the damping function with the existing stop structures. The first damping element is integrated into the lower stop and the second damping element is integrated into the upper stop, creating combined structures that serve both as mechanical stops and noise-damping elements. This integration approach reduces device complexity compared to adding separate damping components
3Object-affected harmful factors
If damping elements are added to reduce impact noises, then noise levels decrease, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by using damping elements made from viscoelastic materials that combine damping properties with structural functionality. These viscoelastic damping elements can be manufactured using injection molding or similar processes, allowing the damping function to be integrated into the stop structures through standard manufacturing techniques rather than requiring complex assembly processes
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 solution effectively reduces impact noises by up to 90% while maintaining the key module's switching characteristics and extending its lifespan, allowing for easy retrofitting of existing key modules like MX Technology.
Implementation Method 1
the first damping element and/or the second damping element may consist of or comprise elastic plastics material
Implementation Method 2
provision is made for the lower stop to be formed by a first damping element in order to reduce impact noises, and for the upper stop to be formed by a second damping element in order to reduce impact noises
Data Source
AI summary
A key module has a housing and a tappet arranged in the housing. The tappet is movable in a linear manner between an upper stop position and a lower stop position in a manner limited by an upper stop and a lower stop, wherein an elastic element arranged in the housing pushes the tappet into the upper stop position, and wherein an actuating force exerted by a user pushes the tappet into the lower stop position and in the process reversibly compresses the elastic element. To reduce impact noises, the lower stop is formed by a first damping element and the upper stop is formed by a second damping element. The slip-on element has a carrier element to which a first damping element for reducing impact noises at the lower stop and a second damping element for reducing impact noises at the upper stop are attached.