Key Movable Arm with Bend Part for Large Area Input Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional input devices with larger key areas face issues due to insufficient downward displacement of movable parts when pressed laterally, requiring multiple switch units or complex supporting frames to function effectively, leading to increased design and production costs.
Innovation Solution
A key design featuring a key cap with a movable arm having a bend part and pivot parts that form a support plane, allowing the key cap to move downward directly when pressed, eliminating the need for multiple switch units and complex frames.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If a larger area key cap is used, then the key area is increased, but the key becomes prone to lateral pressing causing insufficient downward displacement of the movable part
Solution Approach 1:
The movable arm is divided into distinct functional segments: a bend part for providing support plane, a main part for transmission, and pivot parts for rotation. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally, ensuring reliable switch activation even with large key area
Solution Approach 2:
The movable arm acts as an intermediary mechanism between the key cap and the switch unit. It transmits and transforms the pressing force from the key cap into effective downward displacement of the switch movable part, ensuring reliable switch function regardless of pressing position on the large key cap
2Reliability
If multiple switch units are placed under the press part, then the switch function is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the support function from multiple switch units and consolidates it into a single movable arm with bend part. The bend part provides the necessary support plane to prevent lateral pressing issues, eliminating the need for multiple switch units while maintaining switch function effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The movable arm serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides support plane through its bend part, transmits pressing force, and enables switch activation. This multi-functionality replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate components, simplifying the overall structure
3Reliability
If a supporting frame is added to prevent lateral pressing, then the key reliability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support function and the switch actuation function are merged into a single movable arm component. The bend part of the movable arm provides the support plane while simultaneously transmitting force to activate the switch, eliminating the need for a separate supporting frame and reducing manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 2:
The movable arm is designed with specific geometric parameters (bend part angle, main part length, pivot part positions) that optimize both support and force transmission functions. By carefully controlling these parameters, the single component achieves what previously required complex supporting structures
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
This design simplifies the structure, reduces precision requirements, and lowers production costs while ensuring effective key operation by supporting the key cap's downward motion, suitable for large area keys in laptop computers and keyboards.
Implementation Method 1
a movable arm providing a bend part at a first end of a main part of the movable arm... the bend part surrounds the bottom of key cap at least two adjacent sides to constitute a support plane; whereby, when the key cap is pressed down at any one spot on the key cap, the pressing force is supported by the bend part and moves the key cap downward directly
Implementation Method 2
a first pivot part inclining an angle at a second end of the main part of the movable arm; wherein, a bottom of the key cap is joined to the bend part; the first pivot part is movably joined to the second pivot part
Data Source
AI summary
A key, which is pressed for constituting close circuit, includes a key cap, a movable arm and a bottom plate. A bottom of the key cap is joined to a bend part of the movable arm. A pivot part of the movable arm is movably joined to a pivot hole of the bottom plate. The bend part surrounds at least two adjacent lateral sides of the bottom of the key cap to constitute a support plane. When the key cap is pressed down at any one spot on the key cap, the pressing force is supported by the bend part and moves the key cap downward directly instead of inclining to the side of the pressed spot. The key provides simple structure for easy assembly and requires less precision for saving fabrication cost.