Keyboard Key Module Multi-Function Contact Fingers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional key modules in keyboards lack the ability to provide multiple actuation signals for different functions using a single button, limiting their functionality and requiring multiple modules for various operations.
Innovation Solution
A key module design featuring three or more elastically deformable contact fingers that contact different surfaces at distinct advance paths, allowing for multiple switching points and actuation signals, enabling a single button to perform multiple functions with a robust and cost-effective solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single key module is used, then device simplicity and cost-effectiveness are improved, but functionality and number of operations are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The contact fingers are designed to be elastically deformable rather than rigid, allowing them to dynamically adjust their position during actuation. This enables a single key module to achieve multiple switching points at different travel depths, thereby providing multiple functions without increasing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The key module is designed with multiple contact fingers that can contact different contact surfaces at different actuation depths, enabling a single button to perform multiple functions. This multi-functionality is achieved within a unified structural framework, maintaining simplicity while expanding capabilities
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple contact fingers with different advance paths are implemented, then multiple actuation signals and functions are enabled, but contact timing precision and reliability become challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The contact fingers are designed with different elastic deformability parameters and advance path lengths. By carefully selecting these parameters, the system ensures that each contact finger reaches its respective contact surface at the intended moment during actuation, maintaining reliable contact timing despite the complexity of multiple switching points
3Adaptability or versatility
If contact fingers are made elastically deformable to enable multiple switching points, then multiple functions are achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic deformability of contact fingers is designed as a key parameter that can be controlled during manufacturing. By specifying appropriate elastic properties and dimensions, the system achieves multiple switching points while keeping manufacturing precision requirements within feasible limits. The elastic deformation compensates for minor manufacturing variations
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
Enables a single key module to perform multiple functions by providing distinct actuation signals based on the actuation depth, enhancing functionality while maintaining reliability and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
three or more elastically deformable contact fingers (341, 342, 343) which are shaped in order to contact at least two contact surfaces (303a, 303b, 303c) offset from one another in the course of the actuating movement
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
The invention relates to a key module (110) for a keyboard. The key module (110) has a key lifter (220). The key module (110) additionally has a module housing (230). The module housing (230) is designed to receive the key lifter (220) in a movable manner in order to allow a translational actuation movement of the key lifter (220) relative to the module housing (230) between a rest position and an actuation position. The key module (110) further has a trigger element (240) for triggering an actuation signal of the key module (110) in response to the actuation movement. The trigger element (240) is attached to the key lifter (220). The trigger element (240) is designed as a contact sensor for electrically short-circuiting contact surfaces of a circuit substrate of the keyboard. The trigger element (240) has more than two elastically deformable contact fingers for contacting the contact surfaces according to different advancing paths in the course of the actuation movement.