Notebook Keyboard Frame Set for Flexible Case-Independent Assembly

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The redesign of notebook computer cases is required whenever the keyboard module design changes, leading to increased production costs and inconvenient maintenance due to the keyboard protruding outside the case, necessitating the removal of other elements for disassembly.

Innovation Solution

A keyboard module with a frame set that includes a base plate, membrane circuit, and keys, where the frame set is separate from the case and can be molded individually, featuring staggered ribs and adhesive connections, allowing for various materials and easy disassembly, reducing noise and production costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the keyboard module design is changed, then the keyboard functionality is improved, but the case needs to be redesigned and remolded, increasing production costs and time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekeyboard design flexibilityVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The keyboard module is segmented into a separate assembly from the case, with the frame set serving as an independent mounting structure. This allows the keyboard to be designed and manufactured separately, enabling design changes without requiring case remolding, thus resolving the contradiction between design flexibility and production cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the keyboard protrudes outside the case, then the keyboard is accessible, but other elements blocking the keyboard must be removed for maintenance and cleaning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekeyboard accessibilityVSAvoidmaintenance convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The keyboard module is segmented as a separate removable assembly from the case, mounted on the frame set. This segmentation allows the keyboard to be accessed and removed independently without disassembling other case elements, simultaneously achieving accessibility and ease of maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of manufacture

If the frame set is separate from the case, then production costs are reduced and design flexibility is improved, but the structural integration is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction costVSAvoidstructural integration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The frame set serves as a merging element that combines the keyboard module with the case structure. It provides mounting points and structural support, integrating the separate keyboard assembly into the overall device structure while maintaining the benefits of separate fabrication and lower production costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8194401B2Keyboard module

Publication Date: 2012.06.05 COMPAL ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

A keyboard module, including a base plate, a membrane circuit, keys and a frame set, is provided. The membrane circuit is disposed on the base plate and has touch portions. The keys are assembled to the base plate and correspond to the touch portions respectively. The frame set is assembled to the base plate and includes a first frame and a second frame. The first frame has a plurality of first ribs disposed in a staggered way. The second frame is connected to the first frame and located between the first frame and the base plate. The second frame has a plurality of second ribs disposed in a staggered way, wherein a width of a portion of the second ribs is smaller than a width of the corresponding first ribs, and the keys pass through the second frame and the first frame in sequence to protrude above the frame set.