Universal Key Switch Support with Movable Linkage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and increased manufacturing cost of keyboard key switches due to the need for different support devices for various sizes, resulting in a multitude of molds and complicated mold types.
Innovation Solution
A key switch design featuring a base, key cap, first support member, and second support member with linkage structures that allow horizontal movement within a predetermined range, enabling the same support members to be used across different key switch sizes, thus simplifying mold types and reducing manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different support devices are designed for key switches with different sizes, then the key switches can fit various sizes, but the mold type becomes complicated and the number of molds increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support device is designed with a movable support member that can horizontally move relative to the base within a predetermined range, allowing a single support device design to accommodate multiple key switch sizes. This universal design eliminates the need for different mold types for different sizes, reducing mold complexity while maintaining size adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member is made movable horizontally along the horizontal axis rather than being fixed, enabling the support device to dynamically adjust to different key switch sizes. This dynamic adjustment capability allows one mold type to serve multiple size requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different support devices are designed for key switches with different sizes, then the key switches can fit various sizes, but the number of molds increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By designing a universal support device with a movable support member, the invention reduces the number of different mold types required for manufacturing key switches of various sizes. This consolidation of mold types directly reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining the ability to accommodate different key switch sizes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different support devices are designed for key switches with different sizes, then the key switches can fit various sizes, but the mold type becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functionality of multiple size-specific support devices into a single universal support device by incorporating a movable support member. This consolidation reduces the number of separate molds from multiple size-specific molds to a single universal mold type, simplifying the overall manufacturing system.
Data Source
AI summary
A key switch includes a base, a key cap, a first support member and a second support member. The key cap is disposed with respect to the base. The first support member and the second support member are disposed between the key cap and the base. The first support member has a first linkage structure. The second support member has a second linkage structure. The first linkage structure and the second linkage structure abut against each other, such that the first support member and the second support member rotate synchronously with respect to a horizontal axis. When one of the first support member and the second support member horizontally moves with respect to the other one of the first support member and the second support member within a predetermined range along the horizontal axis, the first linkage structure and the second linkage structure keep abutting against each other.