Key Module Guide Portions Prevent Scissor Switch Damage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Scissor-switch keyboards have a complex and laborious assembly process due to their design, which can lead to damage of metal hooks and affect durability and haptic feedback.
Innovation Solution
A key module and keyboard configuration featuring a base with assembly frames, pivotable frames, and a keycap, where the pivotable frames are guided by guide portions to engage with the base, allowing for smooth assembly and preventing damage, ensuring durability and haptic feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal hooks are used in scissor-switch keyboards, then the keyboard can achieve required strength and durability, but the assembly process becomes complicated and laborious, and the metal hooks often cause damage to interlocked pieces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a plastic base with molded engagement features as an intermediary component between the scissor mechanism and the keycap. This plastic base includes recesses and protrusions that guide and secure the scissor switches during assembly, eliminating the need for metal hooks. The intermediary plastic component simplifies the assembly process while maintaining the required structural strength and durability of the keyboard.
2Strength
If metal hooks are used in scissor-switch keyboards, then the keyboard can achieve required strength, but the metal hooks cause damage to interlocked pieces affecting haptic feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces durable metal hooks with a plastic base component that is designed to be replaced if damaged. The plastic base includes integrated engagement features that are less likely to cause damage to the scissor mechanism. While plastic may be less durable than metal, it eliminates the harmful sharp edges of metal hooks that damage interlocked pieces and degrade haptic feedback over time.
3Length of moving object
If a regular frame is used for scissor-switch keyboards, then the frame can provide extra room for long key travel, but the frame becomes thick
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where the scissor mechanism is positioned within recesses of the base, and the pivotable frames are integrated into the base structure. This nesting arrangement allows the scissor switches to have sufficient key travel distance while keeping the overall frame thickness minimal. The components are arranged in nested layers rather than requiring a thick frame to accommodate all elements.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to a key module including a base, a first pivotable frame, a second pivotable frame and a keycap. The base includes two assembly frames. Each of the assembly frames includes an engagement portion and two guide portions. The engagement portion is connected to and located between the guide portions. The first pivotable frame is engaged with the engagement portion by being guided by the guide portions of the assembly frames. The second pivotable frame is engaged with the engagement portion by being guided by the guide portions of the assembly frames. The keycap includes a press part, a first engagement part and a second engagement part. The first engagement part and the second engagement part are connected to the press part. The first pivotable frame is engaged with the first engagement part, and the second pivotable frame is engaged with the second engagement part.