Keyboard Key Structure Reducing Click Noise via Buffering Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional keyboards generate uncomfortable click sounds in silent environments, necessitating a noise-reducing key structure that is simplified and easily assembled.
Innovation Solution
A key structure comprising a keycap, pedestal, and elastic element, where the keycap's coupling ribs and stopping parts interact with buffering elements to reduce the ascending speed and subsequent click noise, utilizing a design with a coupling shaft, stopping parts, and buffering elements within a key slot to absorb the impact and minimize sound.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a conventional keyboard key structure is used, then tactile feedback is provided through click sound, but noise is generated in silent environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces buffering elements (elastic hooks) that engage with openings on the coupling shaft during the keycap's upward movement. These buffering elements act as pre-positioned cushioning mechanisms that absorb the impact energy before the coupling ribs collide with the stopping parts, thereby reducing the click noise while preserving the tactile feedback through controlled resistance during key actuation
2Ease of manufacture
If the key structure is simplified for easy assembly, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but noise reduction function may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the buffering elements: the elastic hooks serve both as noise-reducing cushioning mechanisms and as guiding elements that maintain proper alignment between the keycap and pedestal during assembly. The coupling shaft integrates both coupling ribs for stopping engagement and openings for buffering element engagement, reducing the need for separate components and simplifying assembly while achieving noise reduction
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 effectively reduces the click sound generated during keycap return, providing a noise-reducing function while maintaining tactile feedback, thus enhancing user comfort in quiet environments.
Implementation Method 1
When the external force is released, the elastic element is elastically restored, so that the keycap is ascended and returned to an original position
Implementation Method 2
the at least two buffering elements interfere with the coupling shaft, so that an ascending speed of the keycap is reduced
Data Source
AI summary
A key structure includes a keycap, a pedestal and an elastic element. The keycap includes a main body and a coupling shaft. The pedestal includes a key slot. The key slot has an upper part and a lower part. The coupling shaft is penetrated through the upper part of the key slot and movable within the key slot upwardly or downwardly. The elastic element is installed in the lower part of the key slot. After an external force applied to the keycap is released, the elastic element is elastically restored, so that the keycap is returned to an original position. At the same time, the buffering elements in the key slot interfere with the coupling shaft. Consequently, an ascending speed of the keycap is reduced, and a click sound generated from the collision between keycap and the pedestal is reduced.