Keyboard Base Plate Segmentation for Fastening and Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional keyboard devices face limitations in cost, weight, and rigidity due to the use of fastening tools, which can interfere with keytop strokes and increase manufacturing complexity.
Innovation Solution
A keyboard device design featuring a base plate with a divided structure and a frame where fastening tools are strategically positioned at plate boundary portions, including zigzag-shaped corners and notch-shaped areas, to secure the base plate to the frame while minimizing interference with keytop operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If fastening tools are used to improve the fixing strength of the base plate and frame, then the rigidity is improved, but the cost and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate is divided into multiple plate members with plate boundary portions, allowing fastening tools to be positioned at these boundaries rather than requiring multiple separate fastening points across the entire base plate. This segmentation enables effective fastening with fewer tools, reducing overall weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the fastening function with the plate boundary structure itself. The plate boundary portions are designed to work together with the frame's through holes to create integrated fastening points, merging the structural boundary with the fastening mechanism to reduce the need for additional fastening components.
2Strength
If fastening tools are used to improve the fixing strength of the base plate and frame, then the rigidity is improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the base plate into multiple members with defined boundaries, the patent creates natural fastening locations at the plate boundary portions. This reduces the number of fastening tools needed compared to fastening an entire solid base plate, thereby reducing material costs and assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate boundary portions serve multiple functions: they provide structural division, create alignment features with the frame, and serve as fastening locations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate fastening components and simplifies manufacturing.
3Strength
If multiple fastening tools are used to secure the base plate, then the fixing strength is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate is segmented into multiple plate members, and fastening tools are strategically positioned only at the plate boundary portions rather than distributed across the entire base plate. This segmentation reduces the total number of fastening tools needed while maintaining adequate fixing strength at critical locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies fastening only at specific locations (plate boundary portions) rather than uniformly across the entire base plate. This localized approach reduces device complexity by concentrating fastening efforts where structurally necessary, rather than requiring multiple fastening tools throughout.
4Strength
If fastening tools are positioned to improve fixing strength, then the rigidity is improved, but the interference with keytop stroke increases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the base plate into multiple members with boundaries positioned away from keytop centers, the patent enables fastening tools to be located at plate boundaries without interfering with keytop stroke. The segmentation creates natural fastening zones that are spatially separated from the operational keytop areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies fastening tools only at plate boundary portions, creating localized fastening zones that are distinct from the keytop operation areas. This spatial separation ensures that fastening strength is concentrated where structurally necessary without interfering with keytop movement in the central operational zones.
Data Source
AI summary
A keyboard device is provided with a base plate configured by arranging a plurality of plate members, a plurality of keytops vertically movably supported on the upper surface side of the base plate, a frame attached to the upper surface side of the base plate and having a plurality of hole portions into which the keytops are vertically movably inserted, and a fastening tool provided at a position overlapping with a plate boundary portion formed between the facing end surfaces of the plate members adjacent to each other and simultaneously fastening the adjacent plate members to the frame.