Keyboard Key Structure for Ergonomic Typing and Quieter Keystrokes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional key input devices often result in user fatigue and discomfort due to poorly designed key top heights and arrangements, leading to inconsistent keystroke sounds and operability issues.
Innovation Solution
A key input device with sloping key tops and a unique configuration of wall parts and rubber key tops that reduce contact area and keystroke sound, while maintaining uniform touch surface heights to fit user hand and finger contours, incorporating a nonwoven fabric sheet to absorb sound and enhance user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional key input devices are used with standard key top arrangements, then the device structure is simple, but user fatigue and discomfort occur due to inconsistent touch surface heights
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating varying key top heights at different locations on the keyboard. Specifically, key tops in different rows or columns have different heights from the board surface, allowing each key to be optimized for its specific position and function. This local differentiation improves ergonomics and user comfort without requiring complete structural redesign of the entire device.
2Ease of operation
If key tops are arranged with varying heights to fit hand contours, then user comfort is improved, but keystroke sounds become inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the height parameter of key tops systematically to create a gradient or pattern that fits hand contours. By carefully controlling which keys are higher or lower, the design optimizes for both ergonomic comfort and acoustic consistency, allowing users to type comfortably while maintaining uniform keystroke sounds across the keyboard.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If uniform key top heights are used, then keystroke sounds are consistent, but user fatigue increases during prolonged use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality variations in key top heights to reduce user fatigue during prolonged use. Different key positions have optimized heights that match natural hand and finger contours, allowing comfortable extended typing sessions while maintaining acceptable sound consistency through careful design of the height variations.
4Ease of manufacture
If standard key arrangements are used, then manufacturing is simple, but operability issues arise due to poor ergonomic design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality principles by varying key top heights at specific locations rather than redesigning the entire manufacturing process. This allows standard manufacturing techniques to be used for the base structure, while only specific key tops require adjusted height positioning, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while significantly improving operability and ergonomics.
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 device reduces user fatigue, provides consistent touch feedback, and minimizes keystroke noise, enhancing usability and comfort during prolonged use.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating a nonwoven fabric sheet to absorb sound and enhance user experience
Data Source
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AI summary
A key input device includes: a key (14); a member (10, 20) having a hole (101) through which the key (14) is movably inserted; and wall parts (130) separate from each other and extending from an edge of the hole (101) in a direction perpendicular to a board (40) of the device.