Keyboard Key Haptic Elastic Piece Abutting Return Spring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current keyboards lack both the tactile sensation and sealability/moisture resistance of mechanical and membrane keyboards, respectively, and are not cost-effective.
Innovation Solution
A key structure comprising a key housing, keycap, elastic piece, and spring, where the elastic piece has a protrusion that interacts with an interfering portion to create a sound and tactile feedback, while also ensuring sealability and moisture resistance through a membrane assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mechanical keyboard structure is used, then tactile sensation and pressing sound are improved, but sealability and moisture resistance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mechanical switch structure with a membrane seal structure into a single integrated key assembly. The membrane layer is positioned to seal around the mechanical switch components, allowing the tactile feedback mechanism to function while preventing dust and moisture ingress that would otherwise compromise the mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane assembly acts as an intermediary barrier between the external environment and the mechanical switch components. It transmits the pressing force to the mechanical switch while blocking harmful substances, thus mediating between the need for tactile feedback and the need for protection against environmental contaminants.
2Reliability
If a membrane keyboard structure is used, then sealability and moisture resistance are improved, but tactile sensation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the advantages of both membrane and mechanical keyboard structures into a single hybrid assembly. The mechanical switch provides the tactile feedback and pressing sound, while the membrane layer maintains the sealability and moisture resistance, creating a composite structure that delivers both protective and sensory functions simultaneously.
3Reliability
If both tactile sensation and sealability are improved, then device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single compact assembly where the mechanical switch and membrane seal work together as one unit. This merging approach achieves both tactile feedback and environmental protection without requiring separate independent systems, thereby controlling complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The key assembly is designed with multi-functionality, where the same structural components serve multiple purposes: the mechanical switch provides tactile feedback and actuation, while the surrounding membrane structure provides both sealing and structural support. This universal design reduces the need for additional specialized 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 key structure provides a clear tactile sensation and significant operational feedback with sound, while maintaining good sealability and moisture resistance at a relatively low cost.
Implementation Method 1
An elastic piece (113) is movably assembled into the keycap (111)... The spring (112) abuts between the keycap (111) and the elastic piece (113)... An elastic restoring force of the elastic piece causes the protrusion to hit the interfering portion to make a sound
Data Source
AI summary
A key structure is provided, including a key housing, a keycap, an elastic piece and a spring. The key housing comprises an interfering portion. The keycap is movably assembled to the key housing along a pressing axial direction. The elastic piece is movably assembled to the keycap along the pressing axial direction. The elastic piece comprises a protrusion, and the interfering portion is located on a movement path of the protrusion. The spring abuts between the keycap and the elastic piece. When in an initial position, the protrusion is stopped at the interfering portion. When an external force is applied to the keycap, in a pressing process, the keycap is moved relative to the key housing, and drives the protrusion to surmount and cross over the interfering portion. An elastic restoring force of the elastic piece causes the protrusion to hit the interfering portion to make a sound.