Key Switch Link Structure for Reliable Contact

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional key switch structures experience loose connections due to deformability of key tops, leading to failure in maintaining contact and forming a reliable closed circuit.

Innovation Solution

A key switch structure comprising a key top, link structure, back plate, membrane sheet, elastic member, and arm bar, where the link structure guides the key top movement, the membrane sheet includes a contact portion that forms a closed circuit under pressure, and the elastic member ensures consistent pressure transmission to maintain contact, while the arm bar supports the key top and transfers pushing force effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the key top is made deformable, then the key top can be pushed easily, but the connection at the switch becomes loose and unreliable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepushability of key topVSAvoidconnection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The key top assembly is segmented into multiple functional components: the key top itself, the link structure with link members, the arm bar, and the pushing member. This segmentation allows the key top to be pushed easily while the link structure and arm bar maintain stable mechanical connections to the switch, separating the ease of operation function from the connection reliability function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The link structure and arm bar act as intermediary elements between the key top and the switch contact. Instead of the key top directly connecting to the switch (which causes loose connections), the link members and arm bar serve as stable intermediaries that transmit the pushing force reliably while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the key top is made rigid, then the connection remains stable, but the key top cannot be pushed easily

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidpushability of key top

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into a deformable key top for ease of operation and a rigid link structure with arm bar for stable connection. The key top can be pushed easily while the link members and arm bar maintain rigid, stable connections to the switch, resolving the contradiction between softness for pushability and rigidity for connection stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the system have different mechanical properties: the key top is made deformable for ease of pushing, while the link structure, arm bar, and pushing member are made rigid for stable connection. This local differentiation of material properties allows each component to optimize its function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If the key switch structure is made thicker, then the connection reliability improves, but the overall structure becomes bulky

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontact connection reliabilityVSAvoidthickness of key switch structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The link structure and arm bar are designed as dynamic components that can flex and move during key pressing while maintaining reliable electrical contact. This dynamic design allows the structure to be thin and compact while still providing stable connections through the elastic deformation of the link members and arm bar during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The link members and arm bar function as flexible thin structures that can deform elastically to maintain reliable contact with the switch. These thin, flexible components provide connection reliability without requiring a thick overall structure, as they achieve stability through elastic deformation rather than increased thickness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

The solution reduces failure rates in connecting the contact part of the switch by ensuring consistent pressure transmission and maintaining contact without deforming the key top, thus achieving a reliable closed circuit and a thin key switch structure.

Implementation Method 1

the elastic member can push and separate the key top from the back plate, and be elastically deformable to transmit the predetermined pressure to the contact portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8957332B2Key switch structure

Publication Date: 2015.02.17 JIANGSU TRANSIMAGE TECH CO LTD

AI summary

A key switch structure can include a key top, a link structure, a back plate, a membrane sheet, an elastic member, an arm bar, and a pushing member. The link structure can guide the key top in the pushing direction while the key top is pushed. The back plate can support the link structure. The membrane sheet can include a contact portion arranged on the membrane sheet and connectable, in response to a predetermined pressure, to an electrical contact to form a closed circuit. The elastic member can push and separate the key top from the back plate, and be elastically deformable. The arm bar can movably support the key top, and the arm bar can be supported movably at the back plate. The pushing member can push the link structure while the key top is pushed.