Butterfly Keyboard Coupling Frame Force Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional keyboard devices with butterfly-type connecting elements face difficulties in transferring pressing force evenly, especially when pressing the corners of the keycap, leading to unstable key movement and increased thickness.
Innovation Solution
A keyboard device design that incorporates a butterfly-type connecting element connected to a ring-shaped coupling frame, allowing the pressing force to be transferred through the coupling frame to the entire keycap, enhancing stability and ease of depression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a butterfly-type connecting element is used to reduce keyboard thickness, then the thickness is reduced, but the pressing force cannot be effectively transferred when corners of the keycap are depressed
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element is divided into multiple frames (first frame, second frame, third frame, fourth frame) arranged in a segmented pattern. This segmentation allows force applied at any location on the keycap to be distributed and transferred effectively through the distributed frame structure to the switch, solving the problem of ineffective force transfer while maintaining thin profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling frame acts as an intermediary component that connects the keycap to the butterfly-type connecting element. This intermediary structure enables effective force transfer from the keycap to the connecting element, resolving the issue where direct connection failed to transfer corner pressing forces effectively.
2Length of stationary object
If a butterfly-type connecting element is used, then the keyboard thickness is reduced, but the key movement stability becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element comprises multiple frames (first, second, third, and fourth frames) arranged in a segmented configuration. This segmentation provides multiple support points and force distribution paths, enhancing key movement stability while maintaining the thin profile characteristic of butterfly-type designs.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple frames are combined within a single connecting element structure, integrating the functions of support, force transfer, and stability provision into one unified component that maintains thin keyboard construction.
3Device complexity
If the butterfly-type connecting element is connected with the middle region of the keycap, then the structure is simplified, but the pressing force cannot be effectively transferred when corners are depressed
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element uses a segmented multi-frame structure that distributes connection points across different regions, enabling effective force transfer from any keycap location including corners, while maintaining reasonable structural complexity through modular frame design.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element extends in multiple spatial dimensions with frames arranged in a distributed pattern, creating force transfer paths in various directions. This dimensional expansion allows effective force transfer from corner positions without significantly increasing structural complexity.
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 enables efficient force transfer across the keycap, improving stability and tactile feel, while allowing for thinner keyboard construction and easier assembly/disassembly.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic element arranged between the membrane switch circuit board and the switch circuit board, and penetrated through the coupling frame. When one of the plural keycap assemblies is depressed by the user, the keycap assembly is moved downwardly to push the elastic element
Implementation Method 2
While the keycap is depressed, the coupling frame is pushed by the keycap and moved relative to the base plate, and the first frame and the second frame are swung in response to a movement of the coupling frame
Data Source
AI summary
A keyboard device includes a base plate, a butterfly-type connecting element and a keycap assembly. The keycap assembly includes a coupling frame and a keycap. The coupling frame includes a first coupling part. The keycap includes a second coupling part. The butterfly-type connecting element is connected with the base plate and the coupling frame. The coupling frame and the butterfly-type connecting element are combined together through the first coupling part and the second coupling part. When the pressing force is acted on a corner of the keycap, the pressing force can be transferred to the whole keycap through the coupling frame. Consequently, the pressing force can be effectively transferred.