Key Structure Generating Dual Signals via Depth-Dependent Switch Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic devices with reduced key count cannot meet the requirement for diversity due to single key signals, as they are designed to be lightweight and slim, limiting their functionality.
Innovation Solution
A key structure that generates two key signals by utilizing a keycap, supporting plate, connecting element, and elastic element with switch units on a circuit board, allowing for selective travel distances and signal generation through a conductive pressing part and switch units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the number of keys is reduced to achieve light weightiness and slimness, then the portability and compactness are improved, but the functionality and diversity are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
A single key structure is designed to perform multiple functions by generating different key signals. The key includes a keycap, connecting element, elastic element, and circuit board with multiple switch units that can be selectively activated based on depression depth, allowing one key to replace multiple keys and maintain functionality while reducing overall key count
Solution Approach 2:
The key structure incorporates dynamic behavior through the elastic element that allows variable depression distances. The key can be pressed to different depths to activate different switch units, creating dynamic signal generation from a static key structure, enabling multiple functions from a single physical component
2Length of stationary object
If the number of keys is reduced to achieve slimness, then the device thickness is improved, but the signal diversity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The invention adds a depth dimension to key activation by incorporating switch units at different depression distances within the key structure. This vertical dimensionality allows a single key to generate multiple signals based on how far it is pressed, maintaining signal diversity without increasing device footprint or thickness
3Device complexity
If a single key generates a single signal, then the key structure simplicity is improved, but the functional diversity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The key structure is segmented into functional modules: keycap, connecting element, elastic element, and circuit board with multiple switch units. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while collectively enabling multiple signals from a single key, maintaining modularity and relative simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple switch units are nested within the single key structure at different depth positions. The circuit board with multiple switch units is integrated into the key housing, allowing compact arrangement of multiple functional elements within the volume of a single key, achieving functional diversity without proportional increase in external dimensions
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
Enables a single key to produce two distinct signals, enhancing the diversity of electronic device functionality while maintaining a compact design.
Implementation Method 1
When the keycap is depressed in response to an external force, the elastic element is subjected to deformation and the conductive pressing part is moved downward
Data Source
AI summary
A key structure includes a keycap, a supporting plate, a connecting element, a circuit board and an elastic element. The circuit board is disposed on the supporting plate. The circuit board includes a switch element. A first switch unit of the switch element is formed on a top surface of a first film layer of the circuit board. A second switch unit of the switch element is formed on a top surface of a second film layer of the switch element. When the keycap is depressed in response to an external force, the elastic element is subjected to deformation. Consequently, the first switch unit and the second switch unit are selectively turned on to generate a first key signal and a second key signal.