Keyboard Key Structure with Buffer Material for Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Keyboard keys generate noise due to collisions and frictions between supporting members and the baseplate, as well as structural interference between magnetic members, which need to be mitigated for improved user experience.
Innovation Solution
A key structure incorporating a buffer material at points of interference or friction between elements, such as a viscous colloid like sticky grease, to reduce noise by minimizing collisions and frictions during key cap movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If supporting members and balance rods are added to increase structural strength, then the structural strength of key cap is improved, but collision noises and friction noises are generated
Solution Approach 1:
A buffer member is introduced as an intermediary element between the supporting member/balance rod and the baseplate. This buffer member absorbs collision impacts and reduces friction, thereby eliminating the harmful noise while preserving the structural support function. The buffer member acts as a mediator that allows the supporting structure to remain in place but modifies its interaction with the baseplate to be quieter.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer member is pre-installed at the contact points between the supporting members and the baseplate before operation. This cushioning element is positioned in advance to prevent direct metal-to-metal contact, thereby preventing collision noises and friction noises from occurring during key cap actuation.
2Ease of operation
If magnetic members are added to enable key cap movement, then the key cap can move between positions, but structural interference and collision noises occur between magnetic members and supporting members
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer member serves as an intermediary that prevents direct contact between the magnetic member and the supporting member. When the magnetic member moves under magnetic force, the buffer member absorbs any incidental contact or friction, thereby enabling smooth key cap movement while preventing collision noises between the magnetic member and supporting structure.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If buffer material is added to reduce noise, then collision noises and friction noises are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer member is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides noise reduction by absorbing collision and friction impacts, while also serving as a positioning element and structural support component. This multi-functionality allows the buffer member to reduce noise without significantly increasing device complexity, as it consolidates several functions into a single element rather than adding separate components for each 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
The buffer material effectively reduces noise generation when key cap elements actuate, maintaining a quiet operation by absorbing shocks and preventing direct contact that causes sound.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetic force generated between the first magnetic member and the second magnetic member enables the key cap to move to a higher position from a lower position
Implementation Method 2
The first buffer material is provided between the first portion and the second portion and between the second central end and the third portion, respectively
Data Source
AI summary
A key structure including a baseplate, a key cap, a first lever, a second lever, a first magnetic member, a second magnetic member and a first buffer material is provided. The first magnetic member is disposed on the baseplate and located between the first lever and the second lever. The second magnetic member is disposed on the first lever and corresponding to the first magnetic member. The first magnetic member has a first portion. The second lever has a second central end. The first portion is adjacent to the second central end. When the key cap moves to a higher position, the first and second magnetic members move towards each other. The second magnetic member has a second portion and a third portion. The first buffer material is provided between the first and second portions and between the second central end and the third portion, respectively.