Keyboard Elastic Vibration Absorbers for Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional keyboard devices generate unpleasant noise due to collisions between keycaps, stabilizer bars, and the membrane circuit board, which affects user comfort.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating elastic vibration absorbers on the base plate to absorb kinetic energy from keycaps and stabilizer bars, reducing the noise generated during keypresses by dissipating the impact energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional keyboard structure with rigid components is used, then structural strength is maintained, but noise is generated during keypresses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an elastic element as an intermediary component between the rigid stabilizer bar and the base plate. This elastic element acts as a mediator that absorbs impact energy during keypresses, preventing direct transmission of mechanical energy that causes noise, while still providing structural support and maintaining the stability of the keycap assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and mechanical properties of the connection between the stabilizer bar and base plate by introducing elasticity. The elastic element transforms the rigid connection into a flexible one, allowing for energy absorption through deformation, which reduces noise generation while preserving structural integrity through the restored elastic force.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If elastic vibration absorbers are added to reduce noise, then user comfort is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a vibration absorber to reduce noise, provides structural support to maintain stability, and enables the mechanical connection between components. By making the elastic element multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate dedicated noise-reduction components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the noise-reduction function with the existing structural support function by integrating the elastic element into the stabilizer bar assembly. Instead of adding a separate vibration isolation system, the elastic element is combined with the stabilizer bar to create a unified structure that performs both support and noise reduction.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If kinetic energy is absorbed during keypresses, then noise is reduced, but energy loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic element is pre-positioned and pre-loaded to provide cushioning before impact occurs. During normal keypress operation, the elastic element is already in a state ready to absorb energy, reducing the shock and noise of impact. The continuous elastic force maintains the system in a buffered state, preventing energy loss that would occur with passive or reactive damping systems.
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 use of elastic vibration absorbers significantly reduces the noise transmitted to the base plate, enhancing user comfort and maintaining structural integrity while minimizing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
the base plate includes at least one elastic vibration absorber corresponding to the keycap or the stabilizer bar. While the keycap is moved downwardly relative to the base plate, the sound from the collision between the keycap or the stabilizer bar and the membrane circuit board or the base plate is reduced by the at least one elastic vibration absorber
Implementation Method 2
at least one elastic vibration absorber corresponding to the keycap or the stabilizer bar of the at least one specified key. the at least one elastic vibration absorber absorbs kinetic energy of the keycap or the stabilizer bar of the at least one specified key
Data Source
AI summary
A keyboard device includes a base plate, plural keys and a membrane circuit board. The keys are connected with the base plate. The membrane circuit board is arranged between the keys and the base plate. The base plate includes at least one elastic vibration absorber corresponding to a keycap or a stabilizer bar of the corresponding key. While the keycap is moved downwardly relative to the base plate, the sound resulted from the collision between the keycap or the stabilizer bar and the membrane circuit board or the base plate is reduced. Consequently, the operating comfort to the user is enhanced.