Keyboard Module With Dynamic Key Raising Mechanism

Solution Overview

Problem

The compact design of modern keyboards leads to accidental key presses due to close key spacing, resulting in incorrect inputs during typing and gaming, and potential unintended actions in power-saving modes, such as closing programs or disclosing personal information.

Innovation Solution

A keyboard module with a casing, key units, a push element, and a controlling switch that raises key units to create a pressing distance, preventing accidental presses by allowing only intended keys to be activated, and featuring a flexible panel or keycaps that maintain a flat appearance when not in use to prevent dust accumulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the keyboard module is designed to be compact and minimized to save usage space, then the usage space is reduced, but the gap between keys becomes small leading to accidental key presses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveusage spaceVSAvoidaccidental key presses

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The keyboard module employs a dynamic mechanism where key units can be raised or lowered relative to the casing. A push element selectively raises specific key units above the casing surface, creating a dynamic state change that enables intentional key presses while preventing accidental presses on keys that remain flush with the casing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies local quality by differentiating the state of individual key units. Each key unit can be independently raised or kept flush with the casing, allowing specific functional areas to be activated while others remain protected. This local differentiation enables selective accessibility of keys based on operational needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If key units are raised up to allow pressing operation, then the pressing operation is enabled, but the appearance plane is disrupted and dust may accumulate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressing operationVSAvoiddust accumulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The keyboard module employs a dynamic mechanism where key units can be raised or lowered relative to the casing. A push element selectively raises specific key units above the casing surface, creating a dynamic state change that enables intentional key presses while preventing accidental presses on keys that remain flush with the casing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The key units are constructed with a flexible panel that can be elastically deformed during pressing operations. This flexible structure allows the key units to be raised above the casing when needed while maintaining a smooth, flush appearance when lowered, preventing dust accumulation and preserving aesthetic appearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a dustproof cushion is used to cover the keyboard module, then dust accumulation is prevented, but the keyboard module cannot be pressed when needed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedust accumulationVSAvoidpressing operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The keyboard module employs a dynamic mechanism where key units can be raised or lowered relative to the casing. A push element selectively raises specific key units above the casing surface, creating a dynamic state change that enables intentional key presses while preventing accidental presses on keys that remain flush with the casing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the positional parameter of key units relative to the casing surface. By controlling the height position of each key unit (raised or flush), the system dynamically adjusts accessibility and protection states, eliminating the need for a separate dustproof cushion while maintaining both dust prevention and operational capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS8305241B2Keyboard module for avoiding accidental operation

Publication Date: 2012.11.06 ASUSTEK COMPUTER INC

AI summary

A keyboard module for avoiding accidental operation keyboard module includes a key unit. The key unit has a pressing portion and a contacting portion. The pressing portion abutted the casing for the key unit not being pressed down. The pressing portion can be raised up to form a pressing distance relative to the casing via a push element controlled by a controlling switch to provide the pressing function. Therefore, the keyboard module can effectively prevent the users accidentally striking unnecessary keys during their operations or when the computer is in a power saving mode.