Keyboard Key Structure Buffering Hook Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional key structures generate noise and deteriorate sensitivity and tactile feel due to the keycap rocking on position-limiting elements when returning to their original height.
Innovation Solution
A key structure with a buffering structure, featuring a buffering hook and a locking hook that reduce the impact force and noise by first contacting a protrusion part on the pedestal, allowing the keycap to ascend smoothly and lock into place without direct contact with the position-limiting element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the keycap is directly contacted with the position-limiting element when returning to original height, then the keycap can be stopped at the correct position, but the keycap rocks and generates noise deteriorating sensitivity and tactile feel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a buffering element as an intermediary component between the keycap and the position-limiting element. This buffering element absorbs the impact when the keycap returns to its original position, preventing direct contact between the keycap and the position-limiting element, thereby eliminating noise and rocking while maintaining position accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a buffering structure that is pre-positioned to cushion the keycap before it makes contact with the position-limiting element. This beforehand cushioning reduces the impact force and prevents the keycap from rocking, ensuring smooth return to the original position without noise.
2Speed
If the keycap ascends quickly to original height, then the return speed is efficient, but the impact force on the position-limiting element increases causing noise and reduced sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The buffering element is positioned in advance to cushion the keycap's return motion. As the keycap ascends, the buffering element gradually absorbs the impact force, allowing the keycap to maintain a reasonable return speed while significantly reducing the peak impact force on the position-limiting element.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the interaction between the keycap and the position-limiting element by introducing a buffering material with specific elastic properties. This buffering material deforms under impact, transforming the rigid contact into a controlled deformation process that reduces impact force while maintaining acceptable return speed.
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
Enhances sensitivity and tactile feel by minimizing noise and impact force during keycap return, ensuring a user-friendly experience.
Implementation Method 1
the buffering hook is subjected to elastic deformation
Data Source
AI summary
A key structure includes a switch circuit layer, a pedestal and a keycap. The pedestal includes a protrusion part and a hollow part. The keycap includes a buffering hook and a locking hook. The pedestal is disposed on the switch circuit layer. The keycap is disposed within the hollow part of the pedestal. The buffering hook and the locking hook of the keycap are aligned with the protrusion part of the pedestal. While the keycap is moved in a direction away from the switch circuit layer, the buffering hook is contacted with the protrusion part and then the locking hook is contacted with the protrusion part.