Keyboard Key Structure With Through-Hole Positioning Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional key structures in keyboards are prone to instability and reliability issues due to the breakdown of positioning hooks, which are often formed by stamping a base plate and are susceptible to damage from constant impact or pulling forces.
Innovation Solution
A key structure design that includes a base plate with a through hole and a positioning element with a larger projection area than the hole, and a rod connecting the positioning element to the keycap, providing enhanced connecting strength and stability through a position-limited engagement interface and first position-limited portion that restricts relative displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If positioning hooks are formed by stamping a base plate, then the key structure can be manufactured with simple processes, but the positioning hooks are prone to breakdown and breakage under constant impact and pulling forces
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning element is separated from the base plate as an independent component. The base plate contains through holes while the positioning element is a separate piece that fits into these holes, allowing each component to be manufactured independently and assembled together, thus eliminating the weakness of stamped positioning hooks while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning element acts as an intermediary component between the base plate and the support structure. It fits into the through hole of the base plate and engages with the support structure, distributing and transferring forces between these two components, thereby preventing direct stress concentration on the base plate that would cause breakdown
2Device complexity
If positioning hooks are used to hold support structure, then the key structure can be assembled with simple components, but the positioning hooks break away from the base plate causing instability
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning element is nested within the through hole of the base plate, with its projection area extending beyond the hole boundaries. This nested configuration allows the positioning element to be securely retained by the base plate while providing external engagement surfaces for the support structure, creating a stable hierarchical assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning element's projection area in the horizontal direction exceeds the boundaries of the through hole, creating an L-shaped engagement configuration. This dimensional extension provides both vertical retention within the hole and horizontal engagement with the support structure, enhancing stability without increasing assembly complexity
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional stamping method is used for base plate, then manufacturing cost is low, but the positioning hooks lack connecting strength under constant impact
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning element merges multiple functions into a single component: it provides structural support, acts as a mechanical connector, and distributes impact forces. By combining these functions in one element that fits into the base plate's through hole, the design achieves high connecting strength without requiring multiple separate components, maintaining cost-effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The key structure employs different materials for the base plate and positioning element, allowing each component to be made from materials optimized for its specific function. The base plate can be made from cost-effective stamped metal, while the positioning element can be made from a material with superior strength-to-weight ratio and impact resistance, creating a composite structure with enhanced overall performance
Data Source
AI summary
A key structure is provided. The key structure includes a base plate, a keycap, a positioning element and a rod. The base plate has a through hole. The positioning element is engaged with the through hole. A projection area of the positioning element on the base plate along a lifting direction of the keycap is larger than an area of the through hole.