Key Switch Reinforcement Plate for Keyboard Rigidity

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional keyboards face challenges in enhancing the rigidity of key tops, leading to deformation when loaded, which affects the accuracy of key switch operation.

Innovation Solution

A key switch configuration that includes a support plate, a key top, links, arms, and a reinforcement plate mounted on the key top, with the reinforcement plate extending between the arms to enhance rigidity in both short-side and long-side directions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the thickness of the key top is decreased to reduce keyboard thickness, then the keyboard thickness is reduced, but the rigidity of the key top is reduced causing deformation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekeyboard thicknessVSAvoidrigidity of key top

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The key top is constructed as a composite structure combining a base layer and a reinforcement layer with different material properties. The reinforcement layer has higher rigidity and is positioned to provide structural support, while the base layer maintains the overall thickness reduction. This composite construction allows the key top to be thin yet resistant to deformation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of increasing thickness in the vertical dimension to improve rigidity, the invention adds reinforcement elements in the horizontal plane. The reinforcement layer extends across the key top surface with patterns that provide structural support in both longitudinal and lateral directions, effectively distributing loads without increasing overall thickness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Volume of moving object

If the thickness of the key top is decreased to reduce keyboard thickness, then the keyboard thickness is reduced, but deformation occurs when load is applied to the key top

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekeyboard thicknessVSAvoiddeformation resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The key top is constructed as a composite structure combining a base layer and a reinforcement layer with different material properties. The reinforcement layer has higher rigidity and is positioned to provide structural support, while the base layer maintains the overall thickness reduction. This composite construction allows the key top to be thin yet resistant to deformation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The reinforcement layer is strategically positioned in specific regions of the key top where deformation is most likely to occur, such as near the corners and along the edges. The reinforcement pattern is not uniform but concentrated in areas requiring additional structural support, optimizing the balance between thickness reduction and deformation resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS9373454B2Key switch and keyboard

Publication Date: 2016.06.21 FCL COMPONENTS LTD

AI summary

Provided is a key switch that enables sufficiently enhancement of the rigidity of a key top. A key switch includes a support plate; a key top disposed on the support plate; a link configured to link the key top with the support plate; a switch; a first arm disposed on a back surface of the key top between the link and a first short-side end of the key top, and extending in a long-side direction of the key top; a second arm disposed on the back surface of the key top between the link and a second short-side end of the key top, and extending in the long-side direction of the key top; and a reinforcement plate mounted on the key top. The reinforcement plate comprises a short-side part extending in the short-side direction of the key top between the first arm and the second arm.