Keyboard Liquid Expelling via Inverted-Trapezoid Engaging Ear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional keyboards are prone to short circuits and damage when liquid accumulates and contacts electronic components, leading to potential short circuits and further damage if not expelled quickly.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an inverted-trapezoid hole structure on the engaging ear portion of the keyboard, with first and second openings and a block wall to guide and expel liquid, along with a block pad to prevent liquid from entering gaps, ensuring efficient liquid expulsion and preventing accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If liquid is allowed to flow into the keyboard for normal operation, then the keyboard can function properly, but liquid accumulation causes short circuits and damage to electronic components
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard structure is segmented into functional zones: the engaging ear portion with inverted-trapezoid hole structure serves as a liquid collection zone, while the block wall creates a barrier zone. This segmentation allows liquid to be directed to specific expelling paths without reaching electronic components, resolving the contradiction between operational accessibility and component protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The inverted-trapezoid hole structure acts as an intermediary element between the liquid entry point and electronic components. It captures liquid flow and redirects it through controlled paths (block walls and expelling holes) away from sensitive electronics, enabling both keyboard operation and component protection.
2Speed
If liquid is expelled quickly from the keyboard, then short circuits are prevented, but liquid flow paths must be designed that may complicate the keyboard structure
Solution Approach 1:
The engaging ear portion serves dual functions: it provides mechanical engagement between keyboard and containing casing, and simultaneously houses the inverted-trapezoid hole structure for liquid expelling. This multi-functionality achieves rapid liquid expulsion without adding separate complex expelling mechanisms, resolving the contradiction between speed and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of trying to prevent liquid from entering the keyboard interior, the design inverts the approach by providing dedicated expelling paths that actively channel liquid outward through the block wall and expelling holes. This inverted strategy achieves rapid expulsion with minimal structural addition.
3Ease of manufacture
If the keyboard structure is simplified without liquid expelling features, then manufacturing is easier, but liquid accumulation causes damage to the keyboard
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid expelling function is merged into the existing engaging ear portion structure. The inverted-trapezoid hole structure and block walls are integrated with the mechanical engagement features, allowing liquid expulsion capability to be added without creating separate complex subsystems, thus maintaining ease of manufacture while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The engaging ear portion is designed with multi-functionality: it provides both mechanical engagement (fixing keyboard in containing opening) and liquid management (inverted-trapezoid holes for collection and expelling). This integration achieves protective functionality with minimal additional manufacturing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A keyboard device includes a containing casing and a keyboard. At least one engaging hole is formed at the containing casing corresponding to a periphery of a containing opening of the containing casing. The keyboard includes a main body, an engaging ear portion, and a block wall. The main body is contained in the containing opening. The engaging ear portion extends outwardly from the main body and corresponds to the engaging hole. The engaging ear portion is used for engaging with the engaging hole so as to fix the main body in the containing opening. An inverted-trapezoid hole structure is formed on the engaging ear portion. The block wall is formed at an outer edge of the engaging ear portion for preventing liquid from flowing over the engaging ear portion. The liquid flows into the inverted-trapezoid hole structure and then is expelled out of the containing casing.