Keyboard Structure with Flexible Conductor and Waterproof Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current keyboard structures require high force to switch on due to hard PET materials, resulting in poor operation performance and low waterproofness due to ventilation paths in the circuit layer.
Innovation Solution
A keyboard structure comprising an elastomer, a flexible conductor, and a conductive circuit board with a flexible body and conductive layer, where the flexible conductor contacts circuit anode and cathode to switch on the circuit, and hermetically connected with waterproof glue to prevent leakage, eliminating ventilation paths for improved waterproofness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the upper layer is made of hard PET material, then the structural strength is improved, but the bounciness increases and large force is needed to switch on the circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the original single-layer hard PET structure into multiple layers: a hard upper layer for structural strength and a soft lower layer for comfort and reduced bounciness. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function optimally.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining hard PET material for the upper layer with soft rubber or silicone material for the lower layer. This composite structure provides both structural strength and reduced bounciness, resolving the contradiction between strength and force required.
2Speed
If ventilation paths are arranged in the circuit layer, then the ventilation performance is improved, but the waterproof performance deteriorates due to leakage risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a waterproof membrane as an intermediary layer that covers the ventilation paths. This membrane allows air to pass through while blocking water, thus maintaining ventilation performance while preventing water leakage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a flexible waterproof film or membrane to cover the ventilation paths in the circuit layer. This thin film structure maintains airflow while providing effective waterproof protection, resolving the contradiction between ventilation and waterproofing.
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
The flexible conductor reduces bounciness and stabilizes the force required for switching, enhancing sensitivity and operation performance while achieving better waterproofing.
Implementation Method 1
when pressing the elastomer 2, the upper layer circuit 114 is in contact with the lower layer circuit 115, and the circuit is switched on. However, because the upper layer 103 is made of PET, while PET is relatively hard, when pressing the elastomer 2, the bounciness is relatively large after the elastomer 2 is in contact with the upper layer 103.
Implementation Method 2
the flexible conductor comprises a flexible body and a conductive layer on the flexible body; when pressing the flexible body, the circuit is switched on if the conductive layer on the flexible conductor is in contact with the circuit anode and the circuit cathode on the conductive circuit board
Implementation Method 3
A structure form of the conductive circuit board comprises an upper layer, a circuit layer and a lower layer from top to bottom... The elastomer, the flexible conductor and the conductive circuit board are hermetically connected with each other. Meanwhile, the upper layer, the circuit layer and the lower layer on the first conductive circuit board are hermetically connected with each other.
Data Source
AI summary
A keyboard structure includes an elastomer, a flexible conductor and a conductive circuit board from top to bottom. The conductive circuit board is respectively provided with a circuit anode and a circuit cathode, the flexible conductor includes a flexible body and a conductive layer arranged on the flexible body. When pressing the elastomer, the circuit is switched on if the conductive layer on the flexible conductor is in contact with the circuit anode and the circuit cathode on the conductive circuit board. When loosening the elastomer, the circuit is switched off if the conductive layer on the flexible conductor is separated from the circuit anode and the circuit cathode on the conductive circuit board.