Keyboard Key Module With E-Paper Pattern Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional keyboard keycaps require replacement to change characters or patterns, which is inconvenient and costly.

Innovation Solution

A key module comprising a bottom plate, keycap, flexible component, support structure, circuit layer, and pattern modulator, where the pattern modulator includes an electronic paper component and backlight for real-time pattern changes without replacing the keycap.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If characters or patterns are printed or laser engraved on keycap surfaces, then the keyboard can display fixed patterns, but the patterns cannot be changed rapidly or arbitrarily

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepattern changeabilityVSAvoidkeycap replacement convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The keycap is divided into a transparent or translucent body and a separate pattern layer (electronic paper component) that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows the pattern layer to be changed without replacing the entire keycap, resolving the contradiction between pattern changeability and operational convenience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of physically replacing keycaps to change patterns, the patent uses an electronic paper component that displays patterns through electrical control. This creates a virtual copy of the pattern information that can be changed rapidly without physical replacement, solving the contradiction between adaptability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Adaptability or versatility

If entire keycaps are replaced to change characters or patterns, then arbitrary pattern changes can be achieved, but the process becomes inconvenient and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepattern customizationVSAvoidkeycap replacement time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical keycap replacement with electronic pattern display using an electronic paper component. This allows arbitrary pattern customization to be achieved by changing electrical signals rather than physically replacing keycaps, eliminating time loss while maintaining full pattern adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The pattern display is made dynamic through the electronic paper component that can be controlled in real-time. This allows the keyboard to adapt to different patterns instantly without the static limitation of fixed printed keycaps, resolving the contradiction between customization and time consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If entire keycaps are replaced to change patterns, then different patterns can be displayed, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepattern varietyVSAvoidkeycap material consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a single reusable keycap with an electronic paper component that displays different patterns through electrical control. This eliminates the need to manufacture and discard multiple physical keycaps for different patterns, reducing material consumption while maintaining full pattern variety through digital means.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The single keycap with electronic paper component serves multiple functions by displaying different patterns as needed. This universal design replaces the need for multiple specialized keycaps, reducing material consumption while maintaining adaptability across different pattern requirements.

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 quick and arbitrary pattern changes on keyboard keys, enhancing user convenience and reducing costs by eliminating the need for keycap replacement.

Implementation Method 1

the pattern modulator includes an electronic paper component, and the electronic paper component includes the pattern region corresponding to the visible region

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectronic paper electro-optic effect: Electro-Optic Effects

Implementation Method 2

The backlight component is disposed between the electronic paper component and the bottom plate. Light emitted by the backlight component illuminates the pattern region.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS20230307196A1Key module and keyboard

Publication Date: 2023.09.28 LITE ON TECH CORP

AI summary

A key module and a keyboard are disclosed. The key module includes a bottom plate including a first opening; a keycap disposed on the bottom plate, and including a visible region corresponding to the first opening; a flexible component disposed between the bottom plate and the keycap, and including a second opening corresponding to the visible region; a support structure connected between the bottom plate and the flexible component, and including a third opening corresponding to the visible region; a circuit layer disposed between the bottom plate and the flexible component, and including a fourth opening corresponding to the visible region; and a pattern modulator disposed below the bottom plate, and including a pattern region corresponding to the visible region.