Keyboard Button Elastic Travel to Reduce PCB Impact Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional push-type switches apply continuous impact force and generate noise due to collisions with a rigid PCB, causing discomfort and disturbance during prolonged typing.
Innovation Solution
A computer input device with an elastic unit positioned below the button, providing additional downward movement and elastic force to prevent collision with the PCB, reducing impact and noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the button structure is simplified to reduce complexity, then device complexity is reduced, but impact force and noise increase due to direct collision with rigid PCB
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by introducing a buffer layer between the button and the rigid PCB. This buffer layer is positioned in advance to absorb impact forces before they reach the PCB, preventing direct collision and reducing both impact force and noise while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer layer serves as an intermediary element between the button and the rigid PCB. It mediates the interaction by absorbing impact energy through deformation, thereby reducing the transmission of impact forces and noise to the PCB while preserving the simplicity of the overall button structure.
2Force
If the button movement distance is increased to reduce impact, then impact force is reduced, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer layer is positioned beforehand between the button and PCB to absorb impact forces. This allows the button to maintain a longer movement distance for impact reduction without requiring complex structural modifications, as the buffer layer passively absorbs the energy through its material properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the system by introducing a buffer layer with specific material properties (elasticity, damping characteristics). This allows the button to travel a longer distance and reduce impact force through the buffer's deformation, rather than through complex mechanical structures.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a buffer layer is added to reduce impact force, then impact force and noise are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer layer acts as an intermediary element that can be integrated into the existing button structure with minimal additional complexity. It absorbs impact forces and reduces noise transmission to the PCB while maintaining a relatively simple overall device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer layer is implemented as a flexible element or thin film structure that can be easily integrated into the button assembly. This flexible component absorbs impact energy through deformation while adding minimal structural complexity to the device.
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
Reduces impact force and noise by allowing extended button travel without collision, enhancing user comfort and reducing disturbances.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic unit positioned on a lower portion of the button, which is deformed or compressed by the movement of the button and provides an elastic force in response to the movement of the button
Data Source
AI summary
A computer input device includes a button that is movable by an external force; an elastic unit that is positioned on a lower portion of the button, is deformed or compressed by the movement of the button, and provides an elastic force in response to the movement of the button; and a switch that is turned on or off by the movement of the button, wherein the button is movable in an on section, which is a section from an uppermost end position to a position where the switch is turned on, and an extra section, which is a section up to a position that is lower than the on section.