Keyboard Device Guiding Member Arc Surface Key Displacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional keyboard devices experience a reduction in operability due to key displacement when a force counter to the elastic force of the return spring is applied, affecting the tactile feedback and overall user experience.
Innovation Solution
A keyboard device with a guiding member featuring pair of guiding surfaces that are arc-shaped to the front and rear, which regulate key displacement by sliding surfaces, ensuring the key rotates without significant forward or rearward displacement, mimicking the rotation trajectory of an acoustic piano key.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the key is pressed against the rotation support part by the elastic force of the return spring, then the key can rotate along an arc surface, but the key may be displaced to the front side when a force against the elastic force acts on the key, reducing operability
Solution Approach 1:
A guiding member with arc-shaped guiding surfaces is introduced as an intermediary between the key and the rotation support part. The guiding surfaces constrain the key's movement path, allowing rotational movement while preventing forward displacement. This mediator resolves the contradiction by providing both the necessary rotation path and the constraint against unwanted displacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding surfaces are formed along an arc convex to the front, creating a curved constraint path. This curvature matches the desired rotation trajectory of the key, allowing the key to rotate naturally along the arc while the guiding surfaces prevent displacement in the front-rear direction. The curved geometry directly addresses the operational requirements while maintaining stability.
2Ease of operation
If the key is pressed against the rotation support part by the elastic force of the return spring, then the key can rotate, but rattling occurs during key pressing
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding member acts as a mediator that provides smooth guidance during key rotation. The arc-shaped guiding surfaces ensure continuous contact and controlled movement, eliminating gaps and loose fittings that cause rattling. This intermediary component transforms the uncontrolled rotation into a guided, rattling-free motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The arc-shaped guiding surfaces provide a smooth curved path for key rotation. This curvature ensures continuous engagement between the guiding surfaces and the key, eliminating sudden movements and impacts that cause rattling. The smooth geometric transition along the arc path directly prevents harmful vibrations during key pressing.
3Ease of operation
If conventional key rotation mechanisms are used, then key rotation is achieved, but undercuts are created in the mold release process, increasing manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding surfaces are formed with a simple arc shape convex to the front, which can be directly molded without creating undercuts. This curved geometry allows the guiding member to be manufactured as a single-piece molded component, eliminating the need for complex mold release processes and reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining the key rotation function.
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
This configuration enhances the tactile feedback and reduces rattling, maintaining the operability and feel of pressing a key, while also simplifying the manufacturing process by eliminating undercuts in the mold release, thus reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
The key includes a pair of sliding surfaces configured to be slidable on the pair of guiding surfaces. A rotation of the key is guided in a state where a displacement of the key in a front-rear direction is regulated by sliding of the guiding surfaces and the sliding surfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a keyboard device that can suppress a reduction in the operability of a key. A rear guiding member comprises a pair of guiding surfaces that, in a side view of a key, face forward and rearward and are formed along an arc that is convex toward the front. The key comprises a pair of sliding surfaces that slide against the pair of guiding surfaces. Due to this sliding of the guiding surfaces and the sliding surfaces, rotation of the key can be guided while displacement of the key in the front-rear direction is regulated. Consequently, because forward and rearward displacement of the key during key pressing can be suppressed, a reduction in operability (feeling of touch) during pressing of the key can be suppressed.