Keyboard Key Module With Integrated Contact and Click Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing keyboard switches lack a combination of reliable electrical contact and adjustable actuation force with integrated acoustic feedback, which is essential for gaming and high-end office applications, and often require complex designs or multiple components.
Innovation Solution
A key module with a one-piece contactor featuring two spring tabs that establishes electrical contact and generates actuation noise, combined with a guide unit providing adjustable restoring force and a specific force-path curve, allowing for a compact and robust switching mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex switching mechanism is used to achieve reliable electrical contact and acoustic feedback, then the functional reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (electrical contact, acoustic feedback, and restoring force) into a single integrated contactor component. The contactor includes first and second spring tabs that simultaneously provide electrical contact and generate actuation sound, eliminating the need for separate components for each function and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The contactor is designed as a multi-functional element that performs three roles: establishing electrical contact through the spring tabs, generating acoustic feedback through the second spring tab's engagement with the housing, and providing restoring force through its elastic deformation. This universal component approach reduces the number of parts needed in the switching mechanism
2Reliability
If multiple separate components are used for electrical contact and acoustic feedback, then the functional reliability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The contactor integrates acoustic feedback functionality directly into the electrical contact component. The second spring tab of the contactor engages with a corresponding structure in the housing to generate actuation sound, eliminating the need for separate acoustic components and reducing manufacturing complexity and cost
3Volume of moving object
If a compact switching mechanism is used to meet flat design requirements, then the volume is reduced, but the service life may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The contactor utilizes elastic deformation of spring tabs to provide the necessary restoring force for key actuation. This dynamic elastic mechanism allows the compact design to achieve adequate travel distance and force without requiring larger mechanical components, while the elastic material properties ensure durability and long service life through repeated actuation cycles
4Device complexity
If a one-piece contactor is used to simplify the structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
While the contactor is formed as a single piece, it is functionally segmented into distinct regions: the first spring tab for electrical contact, the second spring tab for acoustic feedback, and the actuation section for force application. This functional segmentation within a monolithic structure allows for optimized manufacturing processes that balance integration benefits with achievable precision requirements
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 solution enables reliable electrical and acoustic functions in a structurally simple and cost-effective manner, meeting the requirements of gaming and high-end office applications with a compact design and service life comparable to classic mechanical key modules.
Implementation Method 1
a contactor (1484) with a first spring tab (1486) carrying a second contact (1585)
Implementation Method 2
a second spring tab (2387) for generating an actuation sound upon recoil against the housing (270)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a key module (120) for a keyboard. The key module (120) has a guide device (230) for guiding a movement of the key module (120) when it is operated, at least one spring element (240) for providing a return force when the key module (120) is operated, a support element (250) for supporting the guide device (230), and a switching unit. The switching unit has a housing (270) and a contact device (280), which is arranged at least partially in the housing (270), for establishing electrical contact when the key module (120) is operated. The contact device (280) has a fixed contact piece with a first contact and has a contact transmitter with a first spring lug which supports a second contact, with a second spring lug for producing an operating noise and/or with at least one operating section. The contact transmitter is integrally formed.