Keyboard Frame Structure for Thin Yet Rigid Keyboards
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing keyboards face challenges in reducing overall thickness while maintaining high rigidity, which affects portability and durability under impact stress.
Innovation Solution
The keyboard design incorporates an inner metal frame with a strength enhancement function, positioned between the outer metal frame and the keyboard assembly, which enhances deformation resistance and allows for the removal of a metal baseplate and plastic frame, thereby reducing thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a strength enhancement mechanical part is added at the bottom of the keyboard, then the rigidity and deformation resistance capability of the keyboard is improved, but the overall thickness of the keyboard increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the strength enhancement function with the existing frame structure by integrating reinforcement ribs directly into the frame body. This combines the structural support and strength enhancement into a single integrated component, eliminating the need for separate mechanical parts and thereby maintaining thin profile while achieving high rigidity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local reinforcement through strategically positioned ribs and support structures only in areas requiring enhanced strength, rather than uniformly thickening the entire keyboard. This localized approach enhances deformation resistance capability at critical points while preserving overall thinness in non-critical areas.
2Length of stationary object
If the overall thickness of the keyboard is reduced to improve portability, then the portability is improved, but the rigidity and deformation resistance capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the frame structure into multiple interconnected components with ribs and support elements distributed throughout. This segmentation creates a lightweight yet rigid framework that provides high strength-to-thickness ratio, enabling thin profile while maintaining deformation resistance capability through the distributed structural network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction combining different materials and structural elements within the frame assembly. By using material composition and structural composite design, the keyboard achieves enhanced rigidity and deformation resistance in a thin profile, reconciling reduced thickness with maintained strength.
3Strength
If a metal baseplate and plastic frame are used to ensure rigidity, then the deformation resistance capability is improved, but the overall thickness and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the heavy metal baseplate and separate plastic frame components, retaining only the essential frame structure with integrated reinforcement. This removal of unnecessary heavy components reduces overall weight while the integrated rib structure maintains sufficient deformation resistance capability for keyboard operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of this application provide a keyboard and an electronic device. The keyboard is applied to the electronic device. The keyboard includes at least the following: a keyboard assembly, including a key; and a keyboard frame assembly, including an outer metal frame, an inner metal frame, and a key avoidance hole. The inner metal frame is connected to the outer metal frame, the key avoidance hole penetrates through the outer metal frame and the inner metal frame, the keyboard assembly is connected to the inner metal frame, the inner metal frame is located between the outer metal frame and the keyboard assembly, the inner metal frame is configured to carry the keyboard assembly, and the key is disposed in correspondence with the key avoidance hole. According to the keyboard provided in the embodiments of this application, an overall thickness of the keyboard can be reduced while it is ensured that rigidity of the keyboard meets a requirement, to improve portability of the keyboard.