Key Switch Assembly Optical Projection for Display Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of integrating LCD screens, drivers, and electronics into individual keypads for input devices hinders mass production and cost-effectiveness, while flat screens restrict the design of concave or shaped keypads for tactile feedback.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical architecture that optimizes the key switch assembly to project images onto the key button tops, moving the tactile feedback mechanism to the perimeter and using optical surfaces for display, allowing for low-cost injection molding and flexible key designs with enhanced display capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If LCD screens are placed on the tops of individual keys, then display capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple display components (LCD screens, drivers, controllers, electronics boards) into a single integrated key switch assembly. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components that need to be individually addressed and connected, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining full display capability on each key.
Solution Approach 2:
The key switch assembly is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical key actuation, integrates LCD display functionality, includes tactile feedback mechanisms, and enables optical sensing. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for each function, reducing manufacturing steps and assembly complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If LCD screens are placed on the tops of individual keys, then display capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the LCD screen, driver, controller, and electronics board into a single integrated key switch assembly, the patent enables these components to be manufactured and pre-assembled together as one unit. This integration allows for economies of scale in manufacturing and reduces the need for complex assembly processes at the final manufacturing stage, thereby reducing overall manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the LCD screen's ability to display different colors and patterns to provide visual feedback and information. This optical display capability replaces the need for additional physical indicators or mechanical features, reducing material costs while maintaining or enhancing display functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If flat LCD screens are used, then display capability is improved, but tactile feedback capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the key switch assembly into distinct functional zones: the flat LCD screen area for visual display and the perimeter area for tactile feedback mechanisms. This segmentation allows each zone to optimize its function independently while working together as an integrated unit, preserving both display capability and tactile feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a purely two-dimensional flat LCD screen to a three-dimensional key structure that incorporates tactile feedback elements at the perimeter. This dimensional enhancement adds physical depth and tactile properties to the key while maintaining the flat display surface, allowing users to experience both visual and tactile feedback simultaneously.
4Adaptability or versatility
If electronics boards are placed at the top of each key, then display control is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronics board is merged with the key switch assembly rather than being a separate component placed at the top of each key. This integration allows the electronics board to be manufactured as part of the key assembly process, reducing the number of separate assembly steps and lowering manufacturing complexity while maintaining the ability to individually control each key's display.
5Adaptability or versatility
If flexible cables are used to connect electronics boards, then electrical connection during key travel is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible cable connection is merged into the integrated key switch assembly design. By consolidating the electronics board and cable management within the key assembly itself, the patent reduces the number of separate connection points and cable routing requirements, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining electrical connection flexibility during key travel.
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
This solution provides a cost-effective and flexible input device design with maximum viewing area and tactile feedback, enabling gesture recognition and improved manufacturing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an optical surface (e.g., wedge lens)... where the display area receives light transmitted up from the optical surface
Implementation Method 2
an optical surface (e.g., wedge lens)
Implementation Method 3
Tactile feedback can be provided using a single rubber dome assembly per key, where the dome assembly is offset for scissor key structures
Implementation Method 4
The architecture optimizes the aperture through the core of the key switch assembly in order to project an image through the aperture and onto the display area of the key button
Data Source
AI summary
Mechanical architecture for providing maximum viewing area on key button tops of keys for a user input device. The viewing area is for the display of information on the key buttons, and also includes tactile feedback similar to standard laptop keyboards, all using low cost manufacturing methods such as injection molding. The architecture optimizes an aperture through the core of the key switch assembly in order to project an image through the aperture and onto the display area of the key button. The architecture relocates in at least one embodiment the tactile feedback mechanism (e.g., dome assembly) out from underneath the key button to the perimeter or side of the key switch assembly. The architecture finds particular application to input devices such as keyboards, game pods, data entry device, etc., that operate in combination with an optical surface (e.g., wedge lens).