Slim Keyboard Key Structure with Integrated Click Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mechanical keyboards have complex structures that are costly to assemble, lack tactile feedback, and occupy too much space, making it difficult to design a slim-type keyboard that provides clear tactile and auditory feedback.
Innovation Solution
A key structure comprising a base plate, structural plate, sound generation assembly, keycap, and elastic mechanism, where a cantilever element is moved between non-aligned spaces to generate a click sound, incorporating a shaft body, elastic element, and protrusion posts to provide downward force and produce a click sound upon key depression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional mechanical keyboard structure is used, then the keyboard can provide mechanical key switching, but the structure becomes very complicated and the assembling cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated key structure. The key cap integrates the key switch actuation, sound generation, and tactile feedback mechanisms into one unified component, eliminating the need for separate assemblies for each function. This merging reduces the overall number of parts and simplifies the structure while maintaining mechanical key switching capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The key cap is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides mechanical key switching, generates click sound through an integrated cavity, and delivers tactile feedback through a protrusion structure. This universal design allows a single component to perform multiple functions that traditionally required separate assemblies, thereby reducing complexity and assembling cost.
2Reliability
If a conventional mechanical keyboard structure is used, then the keyboard can provide mechanical key switching, but the assembling process becomes very complicated
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the key switch, sound generation mechanism, and tactile feedback structure into a single key cap assembly, the patent reduces the number of assembly steps. The integrated design allows for pre-assembly of functional elements within the key cap, which then can be installed as one unit, significantly simplifying the overall assembling process.
Solution Approach 2:
The key cap is designed as a modular component that can be manufactured separately and then assembled into the keyboard. This segmentation allows for independent manufacturing and quality control of the key cap assembly, making the overall assembling process more manageable and less complicated.
3Reliability
If a conventional mechanical keyboard structure is used, then the keyboard can provide mechanical key switching, but the key structure occupies a lot of space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested design where the sound generation cavity is integrated within the key cap structure, and the tactile feedback protrusion is incorporated into the same component. This nesting of functional elements within a compact key cap reduces the overall space required for each key structure, enabling a slimmer keyboard design while maintaining mechanical key switching capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The key cap utilizes vertical space efficiently by incorporating the sound generation cavity and tactile feedback structure in the vertical dimension rather than requiring additional horizontal space. This dimensional optimization allows the key structure to maintain its functionality while occupying less overall volume, contributing to a slimmer keyboard profile.
4Reliability
If a conventional mechanical keyboard structure is used, then the keyboard can provide mechanical key switching, but the keyboard is unable to provide clear tactile feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The key cap incorporates a locally optimized protrusion structure at the key actuation point that provides enhanced tactile feedback. This local quality enhancement focuses the tactile response precisely where the user's finger contacts the key, delivering clear and distinct feedback without requiring changes to the overall keyboard structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated key cap design includes a built-in feedback mechanism where the protrusion structure provides immediate tactile response upon key actuation. This feedback is generated locally within the key cap itself, ensuring that users receive clear tactile confirmation of key presses without requiring additional feedback components.
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 solution simplifies the assembly process, reduces costs, enhances tactile feedback with a clear click sound, and minimizes space occupancy, enabling the design of a slim mechanical keyboard.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic mechanism (50), wherein a first side and a second side of the elastic mechanism are connected with the structural plate (20) and the keycap (40), respectively
Implementation Method 2
When the cantilever element is just moved into the second space, the cantilever element rocks and knocks on the second protrusion post to generate a click sound
Data Source
AI summary
A key structure includes a base plate, a structural plate, a sound generation assembly and a keycap. The structural plate is installed on the base plate. The sound generation assembly includes a shaft body and a cantilever element. The cantilever element is protruded from a side of the shaft body. The structural plate is covered by the keycap. The keycap includes a first protrusion post and a second protrusion post. A first space and a second space are formed between the first protrusion post and the second protrusion post. The first space and the second space are not aligned with each other. The cantilever element is movable within the first space and the second space. Consequently, the feedback of a click sound is generated.