Key Switch Linking Mechanism for Notebook Input Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional key switch structures for keyboards are prone to pivot pin breakage and require complex alignment, leading to vibration and malfunction, with a complicated assembly process that increases manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A key switch structure featuring a linking mechanism with a first link and a second link that move in a scissor action to support the key cap, facilitating easy installation and reducing manufacturing costs through automatic assembly, while minimizing the height of the elastically deformable hollow actuation member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pivot pins are used in the linking mechanism, then the key cap can be supported vertically, but the pivot pins may break accidentally during installation or due to stress concentration after long use
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the vulnerable pivot pins from the system and replaces them with a pivot hole structure integrated into the outer link. This extraction eliminates the stress concentration points that caused pivot pin breakage while simplifying the assembly process by reducing alignment requirements between separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the pivot function directly into the outer link by forming a pivot hole within its structure. This integration eliminates the need for separate pivot pins and reduces the number of parts that need to be aligned during assembly, thereby improving reliability and reducing complexity.
2Reliability
If pivot pins are used in the linking mechanism, then the key cap can be supported vertically, but alignment between pivot pins and pivot holes is critical to avoid vibration and malfunctioning
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the pivot pin component entirely and retaining only the pivot hole in the outer link, the invention eliminates the alignment interface between two separate moving parts. This reduces the manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining operational stability.
3Reliability
If a conventional linking mechanism with multiple components is used, then the key switch structure can function properly, but the assembly procedure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines multiple components into an integrated structure where the outer link contains built-in pivot holes and coupling features. This merging reduces the number of separate parts that need to be assembled while maintaining the full functionality of the linking mechanism, thereby simplifying the assembly procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer link is designed with self-aligning features and integrated pivot holes that automatically guide the inner link components into correct positions during assembly. This self-service design reduces the need for precise manual alignment and complex assembly procedures.
4Volume of moving object
If the key switch structure is designed for notebook computer with space constraints, then it fits the compact form factor, but the linking mechanism must be simplified compared to desk computer keyboards
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple functions into the outer link structure, which serves as both a structural support and a pivot mechanism. This integration reduces the overall volume required for the linking mechanism while maintaining its functionality, making it suitable for compact notebook computer keyboards.
Data Source
AI summary
A key switch structure used in an input device is disclosed to include a circuit module, a key cap supported on a vertically compressible and elastically deformable hollow actuation member of a rubber membrane of the circuit board, a positioning board fastened to the circuit module, and two links arranged in a crossed manner and coupled between coupling portions of the positioning and the key cap to guide vertical movement of the key cap by means of a scissor action when the key cap is pressed by a user to compress the vertically compressible and elastically deformable hollow actuation member in triggering a circuit module to produce a control signal.