Keyboard Key Assembly With Buffer Block for Quiet Keystrokes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing keyboards generate relatively loud noise due to the impact or rubbing of connecting rods with flexible circuit boards or support base plates when the keycaps are pressed.
Innovation Solution
A key assembly design incorporating a support plate with an accommodating portion for a buffer block that decelerates the connecting rod, reducing direct collision and providing additional rebound force, along with a flexible circuit board and a pressing assembly to minimize noise and maintain key travel distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a connecting rod is used to strengthen structural rigidity or implement linkage, then structural strength is improved, but noise is generated due to impact or rubbing with flexible circuit board or support base plate
Solution Approach 1:
A buffer block is introduced as an intermediary component between the connecting rod and the flexible circuit board/support base plate. The buffer block absorbs impact and prevents direct contact, thereby eliminating noise while preserving the structural strengthening function of the connecting rod
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer block is pre-installed at the location where the connecting rod may impact the flexible circuit board or support base plate. This beforehand cushioning prevents noise generation by absorbing potential impact forces before they reach the noise-generating components
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a buffer block is added to reduce noise, then noise is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer block is placed only at the specific location where noise generation occurs (where the connecting rod contacts the flexible circuit board or support base plate), rather than adding buffering components throughout the entire structure. This localized approach reduces noise while minimizing increases in overall device complexity
3Object-generated harmful factors
If a buffer block with large thickness is used to improve buffer effect, then buffer effectiveness is improved, but keycap travel distance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer block is designed with a thickness that provides sufficient buffering effect to eliminate noise, but not excessively thick to the point of significantly reducing keycap travel distance. The buffer block thickness is optimized to provide just enough cushioning to prevent noise-generating impact while maintaining acceptable 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
The design effectively reduces key noise and enhances the rebound speed of keycaps, improving user experience by minimizing direct impacts and maintaining key travel distance.
Implementation Method 1
The buffer block is made of elastic material and has a buffer support surface that protrudes from the flexible circuit board. After a keycap is pressed, a connecting rod that goes down with the keycap is first in contact with a buffer support surface of a buffer block, and is buffered and decelerated by the buffer block
Data Source
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Figure 3
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AI summary
This application relates to the field of a key structure, so as to resolve a problem of relatively loud key noise in a known technology, and provide a key assembly and a keyboard. The key assembly includes a support plate, a flexible circuit board, a buffer block, and a pressing assembly. The support plate has a first surface and a second surface that are opposite to each other. The support plate has an accommodating portion that is recessed from the first surface to a side of the second surface, and the accommodating portion limits an accommodating groove. The flexible circuit board is superposed on the first surface, and the flexible circuit board has a through hole that is correspondingly connected to the accommodating groove. The buffer block is disposed in the accommodating groove, and passes through the through hole. The buffer block has a buffer support surface that protrudes from the flexible circuit board away from one side surface of the support plate. The pressing assembly includes a keycap, a support mechanism, and a connecting rod. The keycap is movably supported on the support plate by using the support mechanism, so that the keycap can be pressed or rebound. The connecting rod is connected to the keycap, and at least a part of the connecting rod corresponds to the buffer block. Beneficial effects of this application are that noise is reduced, a buffer effect is good, and there is little impact on a travel distance of a keycap.