Key Switch Noise Reduction via Soft Buffer Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Key switches in keyboards often produce noise due to collisions between the shaft and the hole of the link bar and base, which affect the operational stability and user experience.
Innovation Solution
A key switch design incorporating a buffer member made of softer material than the base, which forms a restraining structure with the base to reduce noise by engaging with hooks and recesses, allowing the link bar to move smoothly and minimizing collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the link bar and base are connected by a shaft and hole with clearance fit, then the assembly is easy to manufacture, but noise is generated during key cap movement
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer member is introduced as an intermediary component between the link bar and the base. It has a through hole that receives the shaft, and its material is softer than both the shaft and base materials. This intermediary absorbs the collision between the shaft and base wall, eliminating noise while maintaining the clearance fit structure for ease of assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The material parameter of the buffer member is specifically selected to be softer than both the shaft and base materials. This parameter change allows the buffer member to deform and absorb collision energy, converting the harmful noise-generating impact into beneficial material deformation that dampens the collision.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a buffer member is added to reduce noise, then noise during key cap movement is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer member performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a noise-reducing element by absorbing collision energy, serves as a structural connector by receiving the shaft through its through hole, and provides material compatibility by being softer than both the shaft and base. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer member is designed with a through hole that nests the shaft within it, creating a nested structure. The shaft is inserted through the buffer member's hole, and the buffer member itself is positioned within the base structure. This nesting approach consolidates multiple components into a compact arrangement.
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 buffer member effectively reduces noise during key cap movement by restraining the link bar's surface, enhancing operational stability and user experience through noise reduction.
Implementation Method 1
the buffer member restrains an upper surface of the lower linking end, so as to reduce noise during movement of the lower linking end relative to the base
Data Source
AI summary
A key switch includes a base, a key cap, a link bar and a buffer member. A first hook of a first extending arm of the base and a second hook of a second extending arm of the base extend toward opposite directions respectively. An upper linking end of the link bar is movably connected to the key cap. The buffer member is made of material softer than material of the base. When the first hook and the second hook engage with a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion of the buffer member respectively, a recess structure of the buffer member is adjacent to the base to form a restraining structure. A lower linking end of the link bar is movably disposed through the restraining structure. Therefore, the key switch of the present invention has noise reduction capability.