Key Structure Reinforced Connecting Rod Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multiple key structures in keyboard devices are prone to tilting and jamming due to their length being significantly larger than their width, and the use of metallic connecting rods to stabilize them often results in increased thickness and noise due to collisions with the base plate or keycap.
Innovation Solution
A key structure design incorporating a scissors-type connecting element, a reinforced connecting rod, and a stabilizer rod, where the reinforced connecting rod is connected to the scissors-type connecting element and stabilizer rod, maintaining structural strength and stability without increasing the key structure's thickness, and allowing for automatic assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a metallic connecting rod is added to stabilize the multiple key structure, then the structural strength is improved, but the thickness of the key structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforced connecting rod is installed within the hollow rectangular main body of the scissors-type connecting element, utilizing the existing internal space rather than adding external components. This nesting approach provides structural reinforcement without increasing the overall thickness of the key structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of adding the connecting rod in the thickness direction (Z-axis), the design utilizes the length direction (X-axis) by installing it within the hollow rectangular main body along the length of the scissors-type connecting element, thereby reinforcing the structure without increasing thickness.
2Strength
If a metallic connecting rod is added to stabilize the multiple key structure, then the structural strength is improved, but noise is generated due to collisions with the base plate or keycap
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforced connecting rod is nested within the hollow rectangular main body, which acts as a protective enclosure. This containment prevents the connecting rod from colliding with external components like the base plate or keycap, thereby eliminating noise generation while maintaining structural reinforcement.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow rectangular main body serves as an intermediary structure that houses the reinforced connecting rod, isolating it from direct contact with the base plate and keycap. This intermediary enclosure prevents harmful collisions and noise while allowing the connecting rod to perform its stabilizing function.
3Strength
If the reinforced connecting rod is installed over the scissors-type connecting element, then the structural strength is improved, but the thickness of the key structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforced connecting rod is installed inside the hollow rectangular main body of the scissors-type connecting element, utilizing the existing internal cavity space. This nested configuration provides structural reinforcement without adding to the overall thickness of the key structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement is localized within the hollow rectangular main body where it is most needed for structural strength, rather than uniformly increasing the thickness of the entire key structure. This targeted approach maintains overall thinness while providing localized strengthening.
4Extent of automation
If conventional key structure design is used, then the assembly process requires manual intervention, but the present invention enables automatic assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The key structure is divided into separable components (keycap, base plate, scissors-type connecting element with integrated hollow rectangular main body, and reinforced connecting rod) that can be automatically assembled through standardized engagement mechanisms, enabling automated assembly while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow rectangular main body is designed to automatically receive and retain the reinforced connecting rod through its open end, allowing the components to self-assemble without complex fastening mechanisms or manual intervention, thereby enabling automatic assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A key structure includes a keycap, a base plate, a first scissors-type connecting element, a second scissors-type connecting element and a reinforced connecting rod. The first and second scissors-type connecting elements are arranged between the keycap and the base plate. The first scissors-type connecting element includes a first inner frame and a first outer frame. The second scissors-type connecting element includes a second inner frame and a second outer frame. The keycap is movable upwardly or downwardly relative to the base plate along a specified path with the assistance of the first and second scissors-type connecting elements. The reinforced connecting rod includes a hollow rectangular main body. The first outer frame has a first extension structure. The second outer frame has a second extension structure. Moreover, two opposite sides of the hollow rectangular main body are respectively received within the first extension structure and the second extension structure.