Keyboard Key Structure With Elastic Arms for Smooth Outer Appearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional mechanical keyboard keys have an uneven outer peripheral wall on the stop block, leading to an unsightly appearance that can deter consumers from purchasing the product.
Innovation Solution
The key structure features an annular stopper with a smooth outer peripheral wall, eliminating the need for protrusions and grooves, and utilizing engaging elastic arms to secure the lower housing to the keyboard, maintaining aesthetic appeal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If protrusions and grooves are formed on the outer peripheral wall of the stop block to enable firm assembly, then the assembly reliability is improved, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to uneven surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the engagement function from the stop block's outer peripheral wall by introducing separate engaging elastic arms. These arms are provided on the lower housing and engage with corresponding structures on the keyboard, thereby removing the need for protrusions and grooves on the stop block's outer surface, achieving both firm assembly and smooth aesthetic appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the assembly function by separating the stop block from the engagement mechanism. The stop block remains a simple cylindrical component with smooth outer surface, while the engagement function is performed by dedicated engaging elastic arms that can be flexibly designed and positioned without affecting the stop block's appearance.
2Device complexity
If a traditional stop block structure is used to secure the lower housing, then the structural simplicity is improved, but the aesthetic appearance worsens due to the need for protrusions and grooves
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement function is extracted from the stop block and assigned to separate engaging elastic arms. This allows the stop block to maintain its simple cylindrical form with smooth outer surface, while the engagement mechanism is implemented through dedicated components that do not interfere with the aesthetic appearance.
3Shape
If the outer peripheral wall of the stop block is made smooth for aesthetic purposes, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the assembly reliability deteriorates due to lack of engagement structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces engaging elastic arms as intermediary components between the lower housing and the keyboard. These arms provide the necessary engagement and securing function, allowing the stop block's outer peripheral wall to remain smooth and aesthetically pleasing while maintaining firm assembly through the intermediary engagement mechanism.
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 design enhances the aesthetic appearance of the key structure by providing a smooth, annular outer peripheral wall, improving consumer appeal without compromising functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a spring sandwiched and elastically supported between the lower housing and the pressing shaft
Implementation Method 2
two engaging elastic arms disposed below opposite sides of the annular stopper are protruded below the outer side of the base toward a direction of approaching the annular stopper, the lower housing is engaged with the socket by means of compressing the two engaging elastic arms
Data Source
AI summary
A keyboard has a top plate with a socket and a key structure that comprises a lower housing having a base, an upper housing, a pressing shaft and a spring. An annular stopper protrudes above the base. Two engaging elastic arms disposed below opposite sides of the annular stopper protrude below the base. The lower housing engages the socket by means of compressing the two engaging elastic arms. The top plate is sandwiched between the annular stopper and the two engaging elastic arms. The upper housing is assembled above the lower housing, and includes a penetrating opening. The pressing shaft is movably sandwiched between the lower housing and the upper housing. A top end of the pressing shaft penetrates through the penetrating opening. The spring is sandwiched and elastically supported between the lower housing and the pressing shaft. Thereby, the aesthetic appearance of the key structure is improved.