Stabilized Keyboard Key Structure for Low Acoustic Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Information handling systems, such as keyboards and mice, generate distracting acoustic noise during user interactions, and their peripheral devices are prone to damage from cable strain and connection difficulties.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of fluid reservoirs, magnets, and audible dampeners in keyboards, and MR fluid or ferromagnetic geared wheels in mice to reduce noise, along with a rubberized sleeve and magnetic toggle switch for cable management to prevent damage and improve connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If mechanical spring type keys are used to provide upward bias, then key responsiveness is improved, but audible noise is generated due to metallic spring interactions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical spring interactions with magnetic fields. Magnets provide the upward bias force on keycaps without physical contact, eliminating the metallic spring noise while maintaining key responsiveness. The magnetic force acts through the keycap structure to achieve the same functional effect as mechanical springs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnets as an intermediary between the keyboard structure and keycaps. Instead of direct mechanical spring-keycap contact, the magnetic field serves as the mediating force that provides upward bias without generating noise from physical interactions.
2Stability of the object's composition
If plunger type keys with plastic hooks are used to stop key movement, then key positioning is improved, but clacking noise is produced when the hook strikes the keyboard
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical hook-strike positioning system with a magnetic positioning system. Magnets provide the stopping force and key positioning without physical contact, eliminating the clacking noise generated by plastic hooks striking the keyboard while maintaining stable key positioning.
3Stability of the object's composition
If metal balancing bars are used to prevent spacebar tilting, then spacebar stability is improved, but rattling noise occurs during spacebar movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical balancing bars with magnetic fields to stabilize the spacebar. Magnets provide the balancing force and prevent tilting without physical contact, eliminating the rattling noise that occurs during spacebar movement while maintaining stability.
4Ease of operation
If empty space is left under keys to allow key movement, then key operational range is improved, but acoustic echo chamber effect amplifies typing noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful acoustic echo chamber effect into a beneficial damping mechanism by filling the empty space under keys with acoustic damping material. The same space that previously amplified noise is now used to absorb and dampen acoustic waves, reducing typing noise while preserving key movement range.
5Ease of operation
If cable connections are made directly to peripheral devices, then connectivity is achieved, but strain on cable and port causes damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a rubberized sleeve as a protective cushion between the cable connection and the peripheral device port. This sleeve absorbs strain and stress before it reaches the port, preventing damage from cable movement while maintaining connectivity.
6Volume of moving object
If small Type C USB ports are used to reduce device size, then device compactness is improved, but connection and disconnection becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a magnetic toggle switch as an intermediary mechanism to assist with cable connection and disconnection. The magnetic force provides tactile feedback and assistance, making it easier to connect and disconnect small Type C USB cables while maintaining the compact device size.
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
Significantly reduces unwanted noise by up to 12 dB and minimizes the risk of peripheral device damage, enhancing user experience and device durability.
Implementation Method 1
A rubberized sleeve fits around the port and couples to the peripheral chassis to keep the port aligned with a chassis opening that accepts the cable
Implementation Method 2
magnets and dampeners are interfaced with a spacebar key cap to reduce rattle of a metal balancing bar
Implementation Method 3
MR fluid captured in a chamber with spaced blades so that rotation of the scroll wheel near a magnet stiffens the MR fluid to generate resistance
Implementation Method 4
ferromagnetic geared wheel that rotates pass a magnet to cycle between high and low magnetic forces
Data Source
AI summary
An information handling system keyboard has plural key caps coupled to a frame with a vertical travel having a raised position defined by engagement between a stop of the frame and a key cap extension from the key cap. Larger key caps, such as a space bar, shift and enter key cap, are stabilized by including a balancing bar that maintains the key cap level when depressed and released. Acoustic noise associated with key cap movement and balancing bar rattle is reduced by stabilizing the balancing bar with one or more magnets and/or a shaped cushion to reduce balancing bar rattle.