Keyboard Key Structure With Inverted Elastic Arms for Low Insertion Force
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing detachable key structures for keyboards face issues with high insertion force, loosening over time, and light leakage due to the design of elastic arms that extend downward from an upper bulge portion.
Innovation Solution
The elastic arms of the key structure are redesigned to extend upward from the bottom of the lower housing, allowing for a smaller insertion force and a larger buckling force for secure attachment to the keyboard iron plate, while also minimizing light leakage by aligning the elastic arms with the upper surface of the lower bulge portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If elastic arms extend downward from an upper bulge portion to the bottom of the lower housing, then the key structure can be assembled with the upper housing and lower housing, but the insertion force becomes large and the buckling force becomes small
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic arms are inverted from extending downward to extending upward from the bottom of the lower housing. This inversion changes the direction of force application, allowing the elastic arms to engage with the socket from below, thereby reducing insertion force while increasing buckling force for more reliable attachment.
2Ease of manufacture
If elastic arms extend downward from an upper bulge portion, then the key structure can be assembled, but light leakage occurs due to the gap between the upper bulge portion and the keyboard iron plate
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the elastic arm orientation to extend upward from the bottom of the lower housing, the upper bulge portion can be positioned closer to or flush with the keyboard iron plate surface, eliminating the gap that causes light leakage while maintaining assembly feasibility.
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 redesigned key structure achieves a smaller insertion force and a larger buckling force, ensuring secure attachment to the keyboard iron plate and reducing light leakage, thereby improving the durability and functionality of the key structure.
Implementation Method 1
the pair of elastic arms each have a latching portion and a pulling portion thereon. The elastic arms extend from bottom to top from the bottoms of the pair of openings of the lower housing
Data Source
AI summary
An improved key structure for a keyboard may be installed on a keyboard iron plate and comprises lower housing and upper housings. The lower housing includes a lower peripheral wall which includes a lower bulge portion thereon, both side surfaces of the lower peripheral wall include a pair of elastic arms thereon that include a latching portion and a pulling portion thereon. The upper housing is assembled on the lower housing, and includes an upper bulge portion. The elastic arms extend from the bottom of the lower housing, the tops of the elastic arms are aligned with an upper surface of the lower bulge portion, and two sides of the elastic arms abut against the lower peripheral wall, so that the insertion force of the key structure is small, and the key structure is firmly buckled on the keyboard iron plate with a large buckling force.