Keyboard Extending Member Switch Actuation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional keyboard apparatuses fail to replicate the dynamic key striking and press feeling of a grand piano, as the positional relationship between the key press and sound generating switch remains constant regardless of the force applied, making it difficult to play quickly and accurately.
Innovation Solution
The keyboard apparatus features a hammer supported rotatably on a fulcrum with a weight positioned behind it, an extending member that extends forward, and a key with a hammer press rod that moves relative to the extending member, allowing the extending member to press down a switch without contacting the hammer press rod, mimicking the action of a grand piano key.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the extending member is in contact with the hammer press rod, then the switch can be pressed down, but the switch collapse feedback is transferred to the player's fingers and the key press speed is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The extending member acts as an intermediary between the hammer press rod and the switch. It transfers the pressing force from the hammer press rod to the switch without direct contact between the hammer press rod and switch, thereby preventing switch collapse feedback from reaching the player's fingers while still enabling switch actuation
Solution Approach 2:
The key mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the hammer press rod for input, the extending member as a transmission element, and the switch for output. This segmentation allows the extending member to decouple the feedback path, enabling faster key press by eliminating the constraint of direct mechanical coupling between the press rod and switch
2Productivity
If the extending member protrudes further forwards than the hammer press rod, then the switch can be pressed earlier, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The extending member serves multiple functions: it acts as a lever arm for the hammer mechanism, a transmission element for force transfer, and a switch actuator. By making this single component multi-functional, the patent achieves earlier switch actuation without proportionally increasing overall structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The extending member combines the lever arm function and switch actuator function into a single integrated component rather than using separate parts. This merging reduces the number of components and assembly steps while achieving the goal of earlier switch pressing through the forward extension design
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
This design enables a key striking or press feeling similar to a grand piano, allowing for quicker and more accurate key presses by enabling the extending member to press the switch earlier than if it were in contact with the hammer press rod, and reduces the transfer of switch collapse feedback to the player's fingers.
Implementation Method 1
a weight disposed further backwards than the fulcrum
Implementation Method 2
a hammer supported rotatably on a fulcrum, including an extending member configured to extend further forwards than the fulcrum
Data Source
AI summary
A keyboard apparatus has a hammer supported rotatably on a fulcrum, including a weight disposed further backwards than the fulcrum, and including an extending member configured to extend further forwards than the fulcrum, a key including a hammer press rod configured to move towards and away from the extending member, and a switch, and the extending member includes a press-down area configured to protrude further forwards than the hammer press rod to press down the switch, and the extending member is configured to press down the switch without contacting the hammer press rod.