Keyboard Assembly via Vertical Guide Rods
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembling process of traditional keyboard key structures is complex, and the scissors connector occupies significant space, leading to inefficiencies in light emission in backlight keyboards due to energy loss.
Innovation Solution
A keyboard design featuring a bottom plate with assembly regions, key caps connected via long rods that move up and down, eliminating the need for scissors connectors, which simplifies assembly, reduces costs, and enhances light transmission by minimizing blockages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a scissors connector is used to support and guide the key cap, then the key cap can move up and down, but the assembling process becomes complex and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the scissors connector from the keyboard structure entirely. Instead of using a traditional scissors connector to support and guide the key cap, the invention uses a simplified support structure integrated into the key switch assembly, eliminating the complex assembly process while maintaining the key cap movement function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the support and guidance functions previously performed by the separate scissors connector into the key switch housing and support plate structure. The support plate with guide posts and the housing with corresponding slots integrate multiple functions into a unified structure, simplifying the overall assembly
2Reliability
If a scissors connector is used to support the key cap, then the key cap can be guided to move, but the space under the key cap is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the bulky scissors connector structure that occupied significant space under the key cap. The new design uses a compact support plate with guide posts that provides the necessary guidance while minimizing space occupation, thereby increasing the usable space under the key cap for other components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional scissors connector mechanism to a more compact three-dimensional arrangement using vertical guide posts and slots. This dimensional change allows the guidance function to be achieved with significantly reduced horizontal space occupation
3Illumination intensity
If light rays pass through the bottom plate and scissors connector, then the key cap can be illuminated, but energy loss occurs and efficiency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the scissors connector that was blocking and absorbing light rays. By eliminating this opaque component from the light path, the design allows light to pass directly from the backlight module through the bottom plate to the key cap without energy loss, significantly improving illumination efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implies the use of transparent or translucent materials in the bottom plate and support structures to optimize light transmission. By selecting materials with appropriate optical properties, the design maximizes light efficiency while maintaining structural integrity
Data Source
AI summary
A keyboard device includes a bottom plate, key caps, a circuit board, reset members, and assembly structures. The bottom plate has assembly regions. The key caps are above the bottom plate and correspond to the assembly regions. The circuit board is under the key caps. The key caps are abutted by the reset members. The assembly structures are between the bottom plate and the key caps. Each assembly structure includes an assembly member and a long rod. The assembly member is on the assembly region. The long rod is on the assembly member and is capable of moving up and down relative to the bottom plate. Each key cap includes a clamp portion. The clamp portion is on the long rod. The key cap is connected to the bottom plate via the clamp portion and is swingable about the long rod relative to the bottom plate.