Keyboard Key Feedback Control Using Position-Sensing Actuators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current keyboards and input devices are static in their feedback, limiting user customization and requiring iterative prototyping processes that are expensive and inefficient, as they cannot easily adapt to individual user preferences or feedback settings.
Innovation Solution
A keyboard system with adjustable and customizable key mechanisms, incorporating encoders and actuators that allow for electronic control of feedback forces based on user input, position, velocity, and other factors, enabling customizable tactile and audible feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If iterative prototyping is used to test and evaluate keyboard feedback, then feedback quality and user satisfaction can be improved, but development time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamically adjustable feedback mechanisms where key switches can be reconfigured in real-time through electronic control. The feedback characteristics (force, tactile response, audible click) are made variable through electronic actuators that can modify the mechanical properties of key switches on-demand, eliminating the need for physical prototypes to test different feedback profiles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes physical parameters of key switches electronically rather than mechanically. By using controllable actuators (such as piezoelectric elements or magnetic actuators) to modify switch pre-load, travel distance, and tactile bump characteristics, the patent enables parameter adjustment without manufacturing new hardware, thus reducing development time while maintaining feedback quality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple prototype keyboards are manufactured to test different feedback profiles, then user preference coverage improves, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal keyboard platform where a single physical keyboard can provide multiple feedback profiles through electronic control. The key switches are designed with integrated actuators that allow the same hardware to deliver different tactile and audible feedback characteristics, making one keyboard replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized prototypes.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of manufacturing multiple physical prototypes with different feedback characteristics, the patent uses electronic copying of feedback profiles. The system can replicate different tactile and audible feedback patterns through software-controlled actuators, allowing virtual testing of multiple feedback types without physical duplication of hardware.
3Ease of manufacture
If keyboard feedback is made static to simplify manufacturing, then ease of manufacture improves, but user customization capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fixed mechanical feedback mechanisms with electronically controlled systems. Instead of using different physical switch designs for different feedback types, the system uses electronic actuators (piezoelectric, magnetic, or electromagnetic) that can be controlled via software to produce various feedback profiles, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while enabling extensive customization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms static keyboard feedback into dynamic, adjustable feedback. Key switches incorporate actuators that can modify their mechanical properties in real-time based on user preferences or application requirements, allowing a single manufactured keyboard to adapt to different user needs without requiring multiple specialized versions.
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 rapid prototyping and customization of keyboard feedback, allowing users to adjust key feel and sound settings easily, improving user experience and reducing the need for multiple prototypes, while enhancing user interaction and device performance.
Implementation Method 1
an encoder to transduce a position of the keycap and to output an electronic signal corresponding to the position of the keycap
Implementation Method 2
the actuator can comprise a piezoelectric portion or can comprise a magnetic body to apply a magnetic force to the keycap
Implementation Method 3
the actuator can comprise a piezoelectric portion or can comprise a magnetic body to apply a magnetic force to the keycap
Implementation Method 4
The actuator can in some cases comprise a damping component configured to apply a damping force to the keycap in response to a rate of displacement of the keycap
Data Source
AI summary
Keyboards, input devices, and related systems include key mechanisms with keycaps and actuators that provide adjustable feedback in response to user input. The actuators are controllable to provide variable tactile force or audible feedback that is dependent upon the user input. Encoders are able to transduce a location or relative position of a keycap as it is being pressed over time, and a signal is provided to actuators to cause them to provide feedback corresponding to the position of the keycap as it moves. The feedback can change the feel or sound of the keycap based on the keycap positions, time of operation, velocity, user identity, and other factors. Thus, the feel or sound of a keyboard or related input device can be adjusted electronically for efficient testing and increased user customization and feedback modes.