Keyboard Apparatus Engagement Structure Space Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional keyboard apparatus designs suffer from reduced space efficiency and degree of freedom in mounting components due to protrusions like the first engagement section, boss, and reinforcement rib, which also hinder production efficiency by requiring longer screws and restricting the placement of components like hammers, basal plates, and speakers.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a key unit with a hook-like or press-fitting first engagement section and a corresponding through-hole or concave second engagement section located above the key mounting part, along with a reinforcement rib positioned between key units, allowing for improved space utilization and mounting flexibility by preventing these features from projecting below the key mounting part.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the first engagement section, boss, and reinforcement rib are provided as protrusions below the key mounting part, then the key supporting part can be locked to the key frame, but space efficiency and mounting freedom are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement sections are relocated from the vertical dimension (below the key mounting part) to the horizontal dimension (at the same level as the key mounting part). The first engagement section is positioned at the rear end of the key supporting part, and the second engagement section is positioned at the front end of the key mounting part, both at the same vertical level, eliminating the need for downward protrusions.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful protrusions (first engagement section, boss, and reinforcement rib extending below the key mounting part) are extracted and relocated to the same level as the key mounting part. This removes the spatial obstruction below the key mounting part while preserving the locking function through the engagement sections positioned at the rear and front ends.
2Ease of operation
If the first engagement section projects below the key mounting part, then the key supporting part can be temporarily fixed during mounting, but the degree of freedom for mounting components is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The temporary fixation function is achieved through horizontal engagement rather than vertical protrusion. The first engagement section at the rear end and second engagement section at the front end create a horizontal locking mechanism that provides stable temporary fixation during mounting without occupying vertical space below the key mounting part.
3Reliability
If the boss extends below the key mounting part with a second screw hole, then the key supporting part can be locked with a screw, but longer screws are required and production efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The screw hole is relocated from the vertical dimension (below the key mounting part) to the horizontal dimension (at the same level). The second screw hole is now positioned at the front end of the key mounting part at the same vertical level as the key mounting part, allowing standard-length screws to be used and eliminating the need for extended screw lengths.
4Strength
If the reinforcement rib is provided below the key mounting part, then the key mounting part is reinforced against applied force, but space efficiency and component placement freedom are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement rib extending below the key mounting part is extracted and its function is replaced by reinforcement ribs positioned at the same level as the key mounting part. The reinforcement ribs are provided at both the front and rear ends of the key mounting part, providing structural strength without occupying vertical space below the key mounting part.
Data Source
AI summary
In a keyboard apparatus, a key unit has one or more key bodies, a key supporting part for supporting each key body, and a connecting part for connecting the key body to the key supporting part pivotably in a key-stroking direction of the key body. A key frame has an upper surface, and a key mounting part disposed on the upper surface for mounting the key supporting part of the key unit. The key supporting part of the key unit has a first engagement section having a hook-like structure or a press-fitting structure. The key mounting part of the key frame has a second engagement section which engages with the first engagement section when the key unit is mounted to the key frame. The second engagement section has a through-hole or a concave for engagement with the hook-like structure or the press-fitting structure of the first engagement section. The first engagement section and the second engagement section are located above the key mounting part of the key frame.