Keyboard Elastic Biasing Mechanism for Tool-Free Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing keyboard devices and holding mechanisms require significant time and effort for attachment and detachment, particularly when switching between different types, which hampers productivity and maintainability, especially in console drawers and portable computers.

Innovation Solution

A console drawer design featuring a keyboard unit that can be easily attached and detached from a drawer unit using elastic parts and engaging mechanisms, eliminating the need for tools and simplifying the process by utilizing abutting and engaging parts for secure holding and quick release.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a tool is used to attach the keyboard unit to the drawer unit with predetermined procedures, then the attachment is secure and reliable, but the time and effort required increases significantly, reducing productivity and maintainability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidattachment speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening mechanism is segmented into multiple independent engaging parts (first engaging part, second engaging part, third engaging part) distributed at different locations. Each engaging part independently secures the keyboard unit to the drawer unit, allowing the attachment to be both reliable and quick without requiring tools or complex procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple engaging parts are combined into a single integrated fastening system where the keyboard unit simultaneously engages with all three engaging parts through one attachment motion. This merging eliminates the need for sequential tool-based fastening steps while maintaining secure attachment through the cumulative effect of multiple engagement points

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple types of keyboard units are used for different countries, then the device adapts to various keyboard layouts and character types, but the time and effort for distinguishing and attaching the correct type increases, preventing productivity improvement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvekeyboard type compatibilityVSAvoidkeyboard selection and attachment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The drawer unit is designed with universal engagement features (first, second, and third engaging parts at different locations) that can accommodate multiple types of keyboard units with different key arrangements and character types. The keyboard unit includes corresponding engaging structures that align with these universal features, allowing any keyboard type to be attached using the same simple procedure without requiring identification or selection of specific attachment methods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables efficient attachment and detachment of the keyboard unit without tools, improving productivity and maintainability by reducing the time and effort required for switching and maintenance, while allowing for easy integration with various types of keyboard units.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic part which is provided on the keyboard unit and biases the keyboard unit in a specific direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2631735B1Keyboard device, keyboard holding device and information input device
Publication Date: 2019.05.08 FCL COMPONENTS LTD
  • EP2631735B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2631735B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2631735B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A keyboard device (11) includes: an elastic portion (111) that is provided on any one of a pair of opposed end faces (11a, 11b), abuts on an abutting portion (108) provided on a keyboard holding device (10), and biases the keyboard device in a direction toward another end (11b) face from one end face (11a) on which the elastic portion is provided; a first engaging portion (110) that is provided on the one end face, and engages with a third engaging portion (109) provided on the keyboard holding device; and a second engaging portion (115) that is provided on the another end face, and engages with a fourth engaging portion (107) provided on the keyboard holding device by the bias of the elastic portion.