Keyboard Key Module Double-Wing Guidance and Adjustable Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing keyboard key modules lack a mechanical system that provides parallel, synchronous, and backlash-free guidance with adjustable restoring force and customizable force-displacement curves, which is essential for high-end applications like gaming and office use, while also offering reliable illumination and a compact design.
Innovation Solution
A key module featuring a double-wing mechanism with elastic means, a tension spring, and a cam system that allows for adjustable force-displacement curves, integrated illumination, and a compact design, enabling precise and customizable actuation with low-tilting linear movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a traditional key switch mechanism is used, then the keyboard structure is simple, but the guidance is not parallel and synchronous with backlash
Solution Approach 1:
The key switch is divided into separate functional components: the scissor mechanism for parallel guidance, the spring element for restoring force, and the cam mechanism for force-displacement curve control. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function while maintaining overall system precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The scissor mechanism acts as an intermediary between the key cap and the base, providing parallel and synchronous guidance without backlash. The cam mechanism serves as an intermediary to transform the linear motion into a controlled force-displacement curve, mediating between the simple spring force and the desired complex actuation characteristics.
2Length of moving object
If the key module is made very flat for compact design, then the block dimension is reduced, but the mechanical guidance and restoring force become difficult to implement
Solution Approach 1:
The scissor mechanism transforms the vertical compression space into lateral expansion, allowing the spring element to generate sufficient restoring force within a very limited vertical dimension. This dimensional transformation enables compact key module height while maintaining reliable mechanical guidance and restoring force.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element is designed as a thin, flexible component that can be integrated within the flat key module structure. The elastic deformation of this thin spring provides the necessary restoring force without requiring significant vertical space, enabling both compact dimensions and reliable mechanical operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the force-displacement curve is made adjustable for customization, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The force-displacement curve is adjusted by changing physical parameters of existing components rather than adding complex control systems. The spring element's wire diameter, coil spacing, and pre-tension can be modified to change the restoring force characteristics. The cam profile geometry can be altered to transform the linear spring force into different force-displacement curves, providing customization through parameter variation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism serves multiple functions: it transforms the linear spring force into the desired force-displacement curve, provides mechanical guidance, and enables adjustability of the curve characteristics. This multi-functionality allows for adaptable force-displacement curves without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If illumination is integrated into the key module, then the functionality is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination function is merged with the existing key module structure by integrating the light source into the base or key cap, and using the transparent or translucent portions of these components as light guides. This combining approach adds illumination functionality without requiring separate illumination assemblies, simplifying manufacturing compared to adding a complete separate lighting system.
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 provides a robust, reliable, and customizable key module with precise actuation, adjustable force-displacement curves, and uniform illumination, suitable for high-end applications, while maintaining a compact form factor, thus enhancing user experience and durability.
Implementation Method 1
at least one spring element for providing a restoring force when the key module is actuated
Implementation Method 2
at least one cam for deforming the at least one spring element in an actuated state of the button module
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a key module (120) for a keyboard. The key module (120) has a first wing element (230) and a second wing element (230) for guiding motion of the key module (120) when the key module is pressed. Each wing element (230) has a web, a first arm and a second arm. The arms extend away from the web. A fastening portion (232) is formed on the web. A first supporting portion (234) for supporting the wing element (230) is formed on the first arm. A second supporting portion (234) for supporting the wing element (230) is formed on the second arm. The first wing element (230) and the second wing element (230) can be mechanically coupled to each other. The key module (120) also has at least one spring element (240) for providing a restoring force when the key module (120) is pressed. The at least one spring element (240) can be fastened to the fastening portion (232) of the first wing element (230) and to the fastening portion (232) of the second wing element (230). Furthermore, the key module (120) has a carrier element (250) for bearing the wing elements (230). A plurality of holding portions (252) for holding the supporting portions (234) of the wing elements (230) are formed in the carrier element (250).